Volume 11, number 9: march 2, 2005
FEDERAL NEWS
New NSF Web Site Released
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has introduced a new website designed to better serve the research and education communities, and the general public. The new site represents the first major re-design of the NSF web pages in five years.
New and improved features that are aimed at the science and education communities include
- a new funding section that has an A-Z index and lists upcoming due dates;
- a new search tool for NSF employees;
- and quicker access to science and engineering statistics.
Other key features are
- help center describing new features;
- plain-language explanation of NSF and how it works;
- general overviews on the types of science that NSF supports;
- results of NSF research; and
- examples of NSF-supported television programs and other education efforts.
The Custom New Service has also been replaced by MyNSF, a customizable email delivery and notification system. The GrantSource Library’s web page contains a list of helpful links to the main areas of interest on the new NSF website. READ MORE.
New NIH Policy on Public Access to Publications Resulting from NIH-Funded Research
On February 3, 2005, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the NIH Public Access Policy to enhance access to archived publications. After May 2, 2005, NIH-funded researchers will be requested to submit an electronic copy of their final peer-reviewed manuscript, upon acceptance of publication, to the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central (PMC). The searchable PMC archive will provide greater public access and permanent preservation of NIH-supported research.
Although voluntary, the policy intends to promote immediate public access to research findings, and submission of manuscripts is strongly encouraged. The policy also considers the concerns of researchers and allows some flexibility in determining a public release date. READ MORE.
AAAS Analysis of FY 2006 Federal Budget
The American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) preliminary analysis of research and development in the FY 2006 budget is now available on the AAAS website. The analysis includes a comprehensive assessment of research and development in the proposed budget, the budget in the context of historical trends, highlights of agency portfolios, and impacts of the budget on science and engineering disciplines. Newly updated data and charts on the federal research and development portfolio are also available. READ MORE.
DARPA Releases New Strategic Plan
The Defense Advanced Research Program Agency (DARPA) recently released its new strategic plan, Bridging the Gap. The report highlights DARPA’s continued commitment to radical innovation for national security and its mission of growing innovations out of the acceleration of ideas to meet anticipated future needs. The report details information about the agency’s eight current strategic thrusts, which are
- cognitive computing;
- bio-revolution;
- urban area operations;
- detection, precision ID, tracking, and destruction of elusive surface targets;
- robust, secure self-forming tactical networks;
- networked manned and unmanned systems;
- detection, characterization, and assessment of underground structures; and
- assured use of space.
The agency will also continue to support efforts in areas of core technology foundations, such as materials, micro-systems, and information technology. READ MORE.
Navy Seeks White Papers for Science and Engineering Research Topics
The Department of the Navy announces a call for concept papers that
could lead to future funding initiatives. The purpose is “to
identify capabilities of university and nonprofit institutions to conduct
basic research, applied research, and advanced research projects in
a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines.”
Topics of interest include developing new technologies and examining
areas in human-computer interactions, intelligent agent-based technologies,
and hazard modeling. The initiative also seeks to support collaborative
research, generate interest in math and science careers, and enhance
science and math training for teachers. The deadline for submission
is September 30, 2005. Click here for more information (search by solicitation number N0017805Q3010).
CDC Seeks Researcher Input in Development of Public Health Research Agenda
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is developing an agency-wide public health research agenda, and is seeking input from researchers. This agenda will provide overall guidance for CDC’s intramural and extramural research as well as serve as a planning and communication tool for the agency’s public health research.
Interested researchers are invited to attend one of four agenda development public participation meetings to be held throughout the country, beginning in Arlington, Virginia, on March 8. Click here to register.