Science Bills Advance Through Committees
On Wednesday, May 12th, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted to advance the Endless Frontier Act, after agreeing to numerous amendments to the bill. This legislation, originally introduced in the previous Congress, authorizes $100 billion for basic and advanced research over five years, and would create a new “Technology and Innovation Directorate” at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Amendments of note include the NASA Reauthorization Act; a summary of key provisions in the NASA Authorization Act is available here. Additionally, the Committee approved an amendment that diverts the funding authorized for the new NSF directorate in order to include $17 billion in funding authorization for the Department of Energy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Thursday on the Senate floor that he aims to bring the Endless Frontier Act to a floor vote by the end of the month.
A full list of the accepted amendments is available here.
In addition, on Thursday, May 13th, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Research and Technology Subcommittee voted to advance the NSF for the Future Act. This legislation would set a target of doubling the agency’s current budget over five years, establish a new directorate focused on use-inspired research called the “Directorate for Science and Engineering Solutions”, and implement policy changes related to STEM education. A helpful section-by-section analysis is available on the Science Committee’s website.
A list of amendments accepted at the Subcommittee markup is available here.
More amendments are expected to be proposed as the Endless Frontier Act is brought to the Senate floor and the NSF for the Future Act has a full committee hearing.
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Appropriations Update
This week, a spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget confirmed that the full FY 2022 President’s Budget Request will be unveiled on May 27th. Last month, President Biden detailed major highlights of the administration's discretionary spending request. The full request will include proposals for mandatory spending and tax reform, in addition to discretionary spending details the administration has yet to release.
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Confirmation Update
On Thursday, May 13th, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Catherine Lhamon as the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education. In addition, the following individuals have been nominated and are expecting confirmation votes in the coming weeks.
- President Biden's science adviser and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy - Eric Lander*
- Department of Energy Office of Science Director - Asmeret Berhe
- Under Secretary for Science and Energy - Geraldine Richmond
- Department of Education Assistant Secretary of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development - Roberto J. Rodríguez
- Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering - Heidi Shyu
- Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and NOAA Administrator - Richard W. Spinrad
* - Nominee has had a confirmation hearing
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Legislative Activities
Congress will be in session next week (May 17th - 24th) and will continue to consider legislation using a combination of in-person and virtual meetings and hearings.
Committee Hearings
Tuesday, May 18th
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing: Promises and Perils: The Potential of Automobile Technologies
10:30 AM, Virtual Hearing
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee
Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing: NASA's Earth Science and Climate Change Activities: Current Roles and Future Opportunities
11:00 AM, Virtual Hearing
Wednesday, May 19th
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee Hearing: FY 2022 Budget Request for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
10:00 AM, Dirksen 138
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Energy Subcommittee Hearing: FY 2022 Budget Request for the Department of Energy
10:30 AM, Virtual Hearing
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee
Energy Subcommittee Hearing: Accelerating Discovery: the Future of Scientific Computing at the Department of Energy
11:00 AM, Virtual Hearing
House Committee on Appropriations
Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee Hearing: FY 2022 Budget Request for NASA
2:00 PM, Virtual Hearing
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Full Committee Hearing: Evaluating the Medical Supply Chain and Pandemic Response Gaps
2:30 PM, Dirksen 342
Thursday, May 20th
House Armed Services Committee
Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems Subcommittee Hearing: Reviewing Department of Defense Science and Technology Strategy, Policy, and Programs for FY2022
11:00 AM, Virtual Hearing
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May 24th - 27th: ARPA-E Summit
Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm announced the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit will take place virtually from May 24th - May 27th. According to the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) website, the summit will bring together experts from industry, academia, and government to learn about partnerships and funding opportunities, hear keynotes from industry leaders on the future of energy technology, and attend seminars on how to accelerate cutting-edge technologies on a path toward commercialization. In addition, there will be networking opportunities with breakthrough technology companies, federal government leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers who are ready to collaborate.
More information on the summit is available here. Registration costs $150 and is available here.
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*May Spotlight*
U-M Faculty Engaged in Public Service
We are proud to feature U-M faculty who volunteer their personal time in service to the nation. These engaged scholars serve on Federal Advisory Committees (FACs), Intergovernmental Personnel Agreements (IPAs), or on National Academy committees. These faculty and staff live out U-M’s mission to serve the state, nation, and world by applying their knowledge and expertise to help shape and inform national policy. If you are currently serving on a FAC, IPA, or National Academy committee, or have recently been selected to serve in one of these roles, please email us and let us know.
This month, we are featuring a Q&A with Dr. Steven G. Heeringa, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of the Institute for Social Research Survey Research Center (SRC). Dr. Heeringa has served on multiple Federal Advisory Committees, and recently finished serving on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Technical Advisory Committee (BLSTAC).
What agency/advisory committee did you serve on, how did you get appointed, and what was your term of service?
Over the course of my career I have served on a number of Federal Advisory Committees (FACs), scientific advisory panels and ad hoc scientific review boards. Most recently, I have completed two four-year terms (2012-2020) on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Technical Advisory Committee (BLSTAC). Prior to that I was a member of the EPA FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel from 2002-2010, serving as Chair of the FIFRA SAP from 2005-2010. From 2000-2012 I also served as a member of approximately 8 ad hoc panels of the EPA Scientific Advisory Board as well as shorter term advisory committees for the USDA.
Currently, I remain active as a member of the Statistics Canada Methodological Advisory Committee and serve on a committee for the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM).
I cannot recall exactly how I was first nominated for service on these major U.S. government FACs and panels. I believe it began with more minor service as a reviewer for scientific and technical reports produced by the EPA and DHHS. That led to invitations to participate in ad hoc scientific committees and reviews and eventually to nominations and permanent appointments to FACs such as the FIFRA SAP or BLSTAC.
Within most major Federal advisory panels and committees there is a high demand for individuals with statistical expertise that can span multiple disciplines. Combining this quantitative expertise with a scientific interest in the substantive nature of the committee or panel work makes an individual a strong candidate for appointment to one of these Federal advisory roles.
What was your role and/or a specific issue that you worked on?
Across the various advisory committees that I have served on my primary role has been to use my training and experience to provide guidance on statistical issues related to the design, data collection, data management and analysis methods employed by Federal agencies in their major statistical programs or to critically review scientific protocols and reports submitted to Federal Agencies in support of major policy or administrative decisions they must routinely make. As a statistician serving on such panels I was truly a jack of many trades but likely master of none. In my personal experience, the topics taken up ranged from optimal economic models for the consumer price index (BLSTAC) to whether prions can be classified as living organisms (EPA FIFRA SAP). Fortunately, these same panels and committees also include leading scientists with specific expertise on the topics in question.
Service as the Chair of a federal panel or committee brings additional responsibilities. In that role, you must use your expertise to help guide the scientific proceedings but more importantly you must ensure that the question is addressed fully and transparently, that the voices of all panel members and stakeholders are heard and that the final reports and recommendations coming out of a session represent the best available science.
How did you learn about this opportunity and what factors made you decide to serve on a FAC?
As noted above, I generally learned of the opportunity to serve on a new committee, panel or ad hoc review body when I received a request from agency personnel to permit my name to be submitted in nomination for appointment as a member. I believe the same is often true for my ISR and University of Michigan colleagues who have served in similar roles. This suggests that within the Federal system that some nominees are identified based on networks (prior experience on a Committee, agency familiarity with nominee’s expertise, professional network requests for nominations) but the nomination process is designed to also be open to new candidates. Opportunities to serve on Federal committees, panels and boards are announced in the Federal Register and faculty interested in service on one of these advisory bodies should not be shy about submitting their own name in nomination or requesting their mentor or colleague to submit their name in nomination.
What was the time commitment to serving on the committee? Was your experience on the committee what you expected? Please explain.
Depending on the committee and the role, the time commitment is highly variable. During my service on the BLSTAC, the committee met semi-annually (spring and fall). Meetings were held in-person at BLS headquarters in Washington D.C. and lasted 1 or at most two days (including travel). Each meeting began with an update from the BLS Commissioner and then moved to presentations by teams of BLS staff members on 3-4 methodological topics that had been previously identified for review by the committee. All committee members reviewed the background material for each of these presentations and two members were assigned to conduct an in-depth review and discussion on each topic. All told, including preparation and meeting time, the commitment to BLSTAC was the equivalent of 6-8 days each year.
How did your research experience and expertise bring value to the committee?
My career as a statistician with a primary appointment at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) has allowed me to work across many scientific disciplines and a wide variety of projects--many with unique statistical challenges. The multi-disciplinary experience gained during over 40 years working with ISR and other University of Michigan researchers transferred well to the statistical advice and problem solving activities of the Federal committees and panels that I have served on.
Would you recommend that your colleagues seek out similar opportunities? How do you think this experience will strengthen your career or ability to be successful in the future?
I am approaching retirement and although I still continue to serve as a member of U.S. and Canadian federal advisory committees and panels, I am encouraging younger colleagues to become actively involved. For example, my ISR colleague, Brady West, is now serving his first four-year term on the BLSTAC. Although service on Federal committees is a time commitment, it acquaints faculty members with the Federal system, its agency personal and the practical scientific and, in my case, statistical challenges that Federal agencies face on a day to day basis.
Given what you learned during your time on the FAC, is there anything else you'd like to share with faculty and others in the research community at U-M?
From the academic perspective, the tendency is to view membership on a Federal committee or panel as a “service” activity much like an assignment to an NSF or NIH study group or ad hoc review panel. I have found that the participation on a Federal advisory committee or panel is a different experience than serving as a grant reviewer. Both roles are important in the broader fields of science but the scientific questions addressed by the former tend to have more immediacy and often lead directly to the formation of policy or to an administrative action. Participation in both types of service provides a faculty member the opportunity to not only observe the future of their discipline but also to engage in guiding important decision making and investments by Federal agencies.
To learn more about Dr. Heeringa’s background and research areas, please click here.
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Nomination Announcements
A list of Federal Advisory Committee and National Academies Committee opportunities is continually updated on the UMOR website.
Federal Advisory Committees
FDA Blood Products Advisory Committee
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting nominations for membership on the Blood Products Advisory Committee. This committee reviews and evaluates data concerning the safety, effectiveness, and appropriate use of blood/products derived from blood, and advises the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Nominees should be knowledgeable in the fields of clinical and administrative medicine, hematology, immunology, blood banking, surgery, internal medicine, biochemistry, engineering, biological and physical sciences, biotechnology, computer technology, statistics, epidemiology, and other related professions.
Nominations are due May 25th, 2021. Further information is available here.
*NEW* NOAA Space Weather Advisory Group
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting nominations for membership on the Space Weather Advisory Group (SWAG). This committee is being created to advise the interagency working group established by the National Science and Technology Council (NIST) on issues related to space weather. SWAG will consist of 15 members, five of which will be representatives from the academic community.
Nominations are due May 30th, 2021. Further information is available here.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting nominations for membership on the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services. This committee provides advice to the Secretary of HHS on how to prevent or reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Non-federal members should be either dementia caregivers, health care providers, representatives of State health departments, researchers with dementia-related expertise, or health association representatives.
Nominations are due May 31st, 2021. Further information is available here.
*NEW* HHS Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations for members on the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee. This committee coordinates the activities across the National Institutes and with other Federal health programs and activities relating to muscular dystrophy. Nominations are encouraged from leaders or representatives of muscular dystrophy research, advocacy, or service organizations.
Nominations are due June 7th, 2021. Further information is available here.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis is requesting nominations for membership on the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee. This committee advises the Director of the Department's statistical agencies, the BEA, and the U.S. Census Bureau on statistical methodology and other technical matters related to the design, collection, tabulation, and analysis of federal economic statistics. Members should have experience as economists, statisticians, survey methodologists, or behavioral scientists.
Nominations are due June 10th, 2021. Further information is available here.
CDC Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). This committee provides advice to the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services regarding the practice of infection control and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of infections. Nominees will be selected based on expertise in the fields of infectious diseases, infection prevention, healthcare epidemiology, nursing, environmental and clinical microbiology, surgery, internal medicine, and public health.
Nominations are due September 17th, 2021. Further information is available here.
HRSA Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry. This committee provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning the medicine and dentistry activities authorized under section 747 of the PHS Act. Nominees should have experience in allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, physician assistants, general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, public health dentistry, or dental hygiene.
Nominations are due September 30th, 2021. Further information is available here.
NSF Advisory Committee Openings
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is accepting nominations for positions available on its scientific and technical federal advisory committees. There are 15 advisory committees accepting nominations, including:
- Advisory Committee for Biological Sciences
- Advisory Committee for Computer and Information Science and Engineering
- Advisory Committee for Cyberinfrastructure
- Advisory Committee for Education and Human Resources
- Advisory Committee for Engineering
- Advisory Committee for Geosciences
- Advisory Committee for International Science and Engineering
- Advisory Committee for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Advisory Committee for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
- Advisory Committee for Polar Programs
- Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering
- Advisory Committee for Business and Operations
- Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education
- Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee
- STEM Education Advisory Panel
The federal register notice, with details on how to submit names, is available here. Nominations for membership are maintained for one year.
National Institute of Standards and Technology Federal Advisory Committees
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is accepting nominations for appointment to eight existing Federal Advisory Committees:
- Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award;
- Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award;
- Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board;
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board;
- National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee;
- Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction;
- Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology.
Nominations will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Further information is available here.
NOAA National Sea Grant Advisory Board
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting nominations for the National Sea Grant Advisory Board. Board members discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other related matters. The Board consists of a balanced representation from academia, industry, state government, and citizens groups.
Nominations will be accepted on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
NIST Civilian Innovation Advisory Board
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce, is establishing the Civilian Innovation Advisory Board. This board will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce on issues related to the Federal Government's engagement and support of technological innovation, and the incorporation and adoption of emerging technology. Nominees should have experience in identifying and adopting technology innovations into the operation of organizations, developing new technology concepts, or leading large corporations or organizations.
Nominations will be accepted on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
HRSA Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates for appointment as members of the Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation (ACOT). The ACOT provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (Secretary) on matters concerning policy, program development, and other matters of significance concerning organ transplantation.
Nominations will be accepted on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
HRSA Advisory Committee on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (ACBSCT). The ACBSCT provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on matters concerning policy, program development, scientific advances, and other matters of significance concerning blood stem cell transplantation.
Nominations will be accepted on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
HRSA Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates for appointment as members of the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD). The ACTPCMD provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (Secretary), the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on matters concerning policy, program development, and other matters of significance concerning the medicine and dentistry activities.
Nominations will be accepted on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
HRSA Council on Graduate Medical Education
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates for appointment as members of the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME). COGME provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of HHS; the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on matters concerning the supply and distribution of physicians in the United States, physician workforce trends, training issues, financing policies, and other matters of significance related to physician workforce and graduate medical education.
Nominations will be accepted on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
HRSA National Advisory Council on Migrant Health
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting nominations to fill vacancies on the National Council on Migrant Health (NACMH). The NACMH consults with and makes recommendations to the HHS Secretary and the HRSA Administrator concerning the organization, operation, selection, and funding of migrant health centers.
The agency will receive nominations on a continuous basis. Further information is available here.
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Fellowship Resources for Faculty and Students
The Office of Federal Relations for Research maintains a listing of available S&T policy fellowships for members of the Michigan community at all levels, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty.
For more information about these opportunities and to see the listings, please visit the Federal Relations for Research website here.
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News Articles
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