What’s Ahead

Left: Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Oct. 24. Right: President Donald Trump arriving in South Carolina for a rally on Oct. 15.
Left: Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Oct. 24. Right: President Donald Trump arriving in South Carolina for a rally on Oct. 15. (Image credits – Adam Schultz / Biden for President | Shealah Craighead / The White House)

Presidential Election Brings Science Policy to a Crossroads

As the presidential campaign season draws to a close on Tuesday, markedly different futures for science policy hang in the balance. If Democratic candidate Joe Biden wins, his preparations to take over the presidency on Jan. 20 will quickly become the center of attention. An immediate task will be updating the federal government’s COVID-19 response strategy and leadership, which have drawn broad condemnation for their inadequacy and near-constant allegations of inappropriate political interference. Choosing other science policy leaders may also be a priority if Biden follows the lead of President Obama, who announced his science adviser and some key science agency leaders during the transition period. As president, Biden would likely move quickly to reverse many of President Trump’s executive actions, such as changes to visa and immigration policy as well as the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, which Trump is finalizing on Wednesday. Biden’s campaign promises to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on R&D are apt to take longer to turn into firm proposals, though some initial ideas could appear in his first budget request, due for release in February, or in any economic stimulus proposals that move forward.
Should Trump win a second term, the pandemic response will likely continue to center on the Operation Warp Speed vaccine effort and be heavily influenced by adviser Scott Atlas, a radiologist who advocates allowing COVID-19 to spread among young people. Trump is also poised to assert stronger control over at least some public health and science agencies. The White House has already made controversial leadership appointments to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, signaling that the relatively restrained approach to climate science during Trump’s first term may give way to actions such as accommodating perspectives hostile to the climate change consensus within the next National Climate Assessment. Moreover, if Trump’s new executive order targeting civil service protections is implemented, senior career science officials deemed unsupportive of the administration could face removal. Trump is also preparing to implement broader immigration curbs, caps on the length of student visas, and restrictions on the H-1B visa program used by high-skilled visiting workers. Regardless of who wins, some current administration R&D priority areas such as quantum information science and artificial intelligence will likely continue to enjoy broad support, and technological competition with China is sure to remain an ongoing concern.

Shape of Change Hinges on Congressional Results

The outcome of congressional elections will also heavily influence science policy to come. Forecasters overwhelmingly expect the House to remain in Democrats’ hands, but there is more doubt about the Senate. The most extreme changes could occur if the White House and Congress come under unified Democratic control and the Senate abolishes or curtails the filibuster, a practice that blocks legislation by denying the 60 votes that chamber rules require for a final vote to proceed. By circumventing filibusters, Democrats would have freer rein to implement a more aggressive agenda on issues such as climate change. Restraints on spending would also loosen, potentially allowing a sea change for R&D funding of the kind envisioned in recent legislation, such as the bipartisan Endless Frontier Act sponsored by current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Given that interest in an R&D spending surge is bipartisan, one could materialize regardless of the election’s outcome. However, if the filibuster stands or Republicans control the Senate, partisan headwinds may derail major initiatives put forward under a Biden presidency, echoing the gridlock that characterized much of the Obama administration. This could include any new pandemic relief legislation, which has already been in limbo since May under a divided Congress. A Republican-controlled Senate could also delay confirmation of Biden’s nominations to executive branch leadership positions, potentially indefinitely, as it did in some cases under President Obama. Conversely, should President Trump win re-election and Democrats prevail in the Senate, his ability to replace current science agency leaders would likewise be more restricted, although he has already sidestepped such obstacles by using unconfirmed acting leaders for long durations. Even when Republicans had unified control over Congress, they joined Democrats in vocally resisting Trump’s proposals to cut science funding, and would probably continue to do so if the status quo prevails.

Space Studies Board to Discuss Mars and Low-Earth Orbit Research

The National Academies Space Studies Board is convening on Wednesday and Thursday for its fall meeting. The first of two special sessions will examine scientific objectives that can be pursued through planned and proposed missions to Mars, including the sample return mission NASA is now beginning to ramp up. The second is focused on biological and physical sciences in space, which mainly entails research conducted aboard crewed platforms in low Earth orbit. NASA is currently reforming how it administers these activities and session participants will discuss subjects such as how to integrate new university and commercial contributors and what new research directions and commercial applications may be on the horizon. The board will also hear from Thomas Zurbuchen, head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate; Len Fisk, the president of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), a global coordinating body; and Athena Coustenis, chair of the European Space Sciences Committee.

NSF Director to Address Black Physicists’ Conference

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan will deliver the closing address at the National Society of Black Physicists annual conference this week, which is cosponsored by NSF and Brookhaven National Lab. Panchanathan has recently begun to elaborate on his ideas for addressing the representation gap within science and engineering, referring to the “missing millions” of Black, Hispanic, and women scientists who should be in the workforce. As one way of narrowing the gap, he has said he would like for NSF to increase the number of Graduate Research Fellowships the agency offers from 2,000 to 10,000 per year by 2030. The conference, which is the largest academic meeting of minority physicists in the U.S., will also feature a public lecture by NSBP President Stephon Alexander, as well as topical workshops, networking events, and a career fair.

In Case You Missed It

Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette.
Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette. (Image credit – DOE)

Science Committee Alleges DOE Suppressing Energy Studies

House Science Committee Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) wrote to the Department of Energy last week to register concerns that the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has withheld the approval of a number of national laboratory studies. Johnson suggests that the hurdles faced by a major grid analysis known as the Interconnections Seams Study are part of a broader pattern that began in 2018 when the office added a layer of political review for reports and tightened its control over scientists’ media engagements. She argues these changes “contravene” the department’s scientific integrity policy and that the extent of the delays cannot be explained as simply a quality control measure. The Seams study was ultimately posted in a modified form more than two years after its completion, according to reporting by journalist Peter Fairley. Three national lab researchers told Fairley they know of at least 25 reports from the labs that have been delayed for over six months under the Trump administration, compared with only a handful during the entirety of the previous two administrations combined.

USGS Director Faces Charge of Whistleblower Retaliation

The inspector general for the Department of the Interior released a report last week that concludes U.S. Geological Survey Director Jim Reilly retaliated against an employee who filed a complaint about his conduct. The report provides evidence suggesting Reilly directed the employee be reassigned to a new role because of the complaint and that Reilly’s stated justifications for the transfer are inconsistent with accounts from other employees. The day the report was released, the top Democrats on the House Oversight and Natural Resources Committees issued a statement demanding Reilly’s removal, citing the inspector general’s finding that Reilly had also sought to uncover additional employees who filed complaints against him so that he could “move them.” Meanwhile, the Interior Department’s press secretary disputed the inspector general’s findings, asserting the employee in question requested to be transferred.

House Democrats Propose Massive Technology Development Agency

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and eight other House Democrats introduced a bill last week that would channel $900 billion over 10 years through a new “Federal Institute of Technology” to spur economic development throughout the country. The agency would consist of up to 30 regional outposts that would support R&D efforts in emerging technology areas and steer workforce development initiatives. A portion of the funds would be allocated through existing agencies, including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and National Institutes of Health. Initially, the new agency would focus on complementing university resources in existing innovation hubs, but would later launch standalone locations in regions without an established research ecosystem. In addition, the bill would create a STEM scholarship program for students of color and students from rural communities and an associated tax incentive for companies to hire students who received the scholarship. With its proposed leap in R&D spending and focus on spurring regional innovation, Khanna’s bill resembles the Endless Frontier Act, of which he is also a sponsor, but it does not include the overhaul of NSF that is that legislation’s centerpiece.

White House Touts Science and Technology Actions

On Oct. 27, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a 51 page report compiling policy “highlights” from the current presidential term. Much of the document is dedicated to the Trump administration’s efforts to promote five “Industries of the Future”: quantum information science, artificial intelligence, advanced communications networks, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology. Other featured subjects include research and vaccine-development efforts responding to COVID-19, defense R&D in areas such as hypersonics and cybersecurity, space exploration, ocean research, and STEM workforce development. The report attracted an unusual degree of attention, including mockery from Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, because an accompanying press release summarizing the administration’s “accomplishments” included the heading “ending the COVID-19 pandemic,” even as new cases surged across the country. The White House’s communications director conceded on Fox News that the release was “poorly worded.”

House Scientific Integrity Advocate Turns Spotlight on Droegemeier

Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), House sponsor of the Scientific Integrity Act, wrote to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier on Oct. 27 to complain about “egregious violations of scientific integrity” under the Trump administration, particularly in its pandemic response efforts. Asserting such violations have had “deadly consequences,” Tonko asked Droegemeier for an account of his office’s efforts to assess scientific integrity at federal agencies during the pandemic and to enforce and coordinate integrity policies that agencies have in place. As director, Droegemeier has established an interagency panel broadly focused on integrity in research and spoken often of a need to reinforce “American values” in the U.S. R&D enterprise. However, OSTP has not publicly engaged with the numerous allegations that Trump administration political appointees have actively undermined the integrity of federal scientific and public health efforts.

University Groups Protest Visa Restriction Rules

The Department of Homeland Security received over 32,000 comments on a rule it proposed on Sept. 25 that would cap the duration of international student and visiting researcher visas to either two or four years. A number of student groups and universities strongly objected to the rule, including a group of 80 higher education associations who argue the rule is a “solution in search of a problem” that would unnecessarily damage the ability of U.S. universities to attract talented students and researchers from other countries. It notes the rule could have an outsized impact on STEM students due to a provision enabling DHS to further restrict the length of admission for certain fields of study, such as nuclear science, based on a new “national interest” criterion. Separately, a subset of the higher education organizations submitted an amicus brief in support of lawsuits filed against restrictions on the H-1B visa program that DHS and the Department of Labor implemented last month.

APS Steps Up Advocacy for International Scholars

In response to efforts by the Trump administration to tighten restrictions on visa categories often used by STEM students and researchers, the American Physical Society released a report last week highlighting stories and contributions of people who have participated in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and J-1 visa programs. The report argues such programs help the U.S. attract researchers from around the world, who often go on to hold long-term positions in U.S. universities and industry or establish collaborations with American researchers. APS notes international applications to U.S. physics doctoral programs have dropped significantly in recent years, suggesting students may be deterred by challenges in obtaining visas and a “growing perception that the United States is becoming increasingly unwelcome to international talent.” Separately, APS recently filed a comment opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to cap the length of student visas, arguing it would prevent international graduate students from “having the certainty that they will be afforded sufficient time in the United States to complete a physics PhD.” (APS is an AIP Member Society.)

APS to Consider Police Conduct When Picking Meeting Sites

The American Physical Society announced last week that it will assess cities’ policing practices when deciding where to hold conferences. Factors to be considered include the availability of demographically specific statistics on police use of force, the existence of independent bodies for investigating serious police incidents, prohibitions on tactics such as strangleholds, provision of training in de-escalation, and policies requiring intervention by fellow officers to stop excessive uses of force. The society’s move originated with a proposal put forward by two of its members this summer following the death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police. APS indicates it has reached out to cities where it has already scheduled conferences to ask about their policing practices, while noting that cancelling meeting contracts can involve multi-million dollar fees. APS Meetings Director Hunter Clemens said in a statement, “Each city is in a different place with regard to the criteria, but the one that impressed me the most was Denver in terms of how far along they are with each of the issues.”

NSA Throws Cold Water on Quantum Communication Methods

On Oct. 26, the National Security Agency released previously internal guidance that casts doubt on the utility of secure communication methods known as quantum key distribution and quantum cryptography. NSA concludes the methods have various limitations at present that make them “impractical” for use in networks that transmit classified data. These include requirements for special-purpose equipment, difficulties in system validation, insider threat risks, and high susceptibility to denial of service attacks. Accordingly, NSA states it views post-quantum cryptography as a “more cost-effective and easily maintained solution” for securing networks and that it does not expect to approve the use of quantum communication methods in operational national security systems unless their limitations are remedied.

NSF Makes Three Midscale Infrastructure Awards

The National Science Foundation announced last week it has made $125 million in new awards through its Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 program, which funds construction projects in the $20 million to $70 million range. Of the total, $33 million is for building a High Magnetic Field Beamline at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, $53 million is for creating a Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Array comprising hundreds of autonomous floats, and $39 million is for the University of California San Diego to create a test-bed for the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. Last week, NSF also released the solicitation for the program’s next round of competition.

Events This Week

Monday, November 2

Tuesday, November 3

Wednesday, November 4

National Academies: Space Studies Board Fall meeting (continues through Friday) Commerce Department: Information Systems Technical Advisory Committee meeting (continues Thursday) George Washington University: “The Challenges of Technology and Economic Catch-Up in Emerging Economies” 7:00 - 9:00 am NSF: Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure-1 Program Webinar 1:00 - 2:30 pm Harvard Belfer Center: “The UK Warhead Replacement Program: Prospects and Challenges” 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Thursday, November 5

Friday, November 6

Monday, November 9

Opportunities

NSF Hiring Deputy Director for Physical Sciences

The National Science Foundation is accepting applications for the deputy director position in its Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, which oversees a $1.5 billion research portfolio. Applicants must have a doctorate in mathematical sciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy, materials science, or a closely related field and demonstrate broad understanding of university research and grant administration. Applications are due Nov. 20.

NSF Hiring Atmospheric Sciences Division Director

The National Science Foundation is seeking a director for its Atmospheric and Geospace Science Division, which funds basic research on the Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions with the Sun and supports U.S. scientist participation in international activities such as the World Climate Research Program. Applicants must have a doctoral degree or similar level of experience in a relevant field. Applications are due Nov. 13.

AAAS Hiring Directors of International Affairs and STEM Workforce

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is seeking a director of international affairs and science diplomacy, who will advise the AAAS CEO on international matters and lead the society’s Center for Science Diplomacy. Candidates should have an advanced degree in the sciences or public policy and five years of relevant work experience. AAAS is also seeking a director of STEM culture, workforce, and education, who will manage a team of 15-20 people and oversee a portfolio focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion both within AAAS and externally. Applications for the roles close on Nov. 21 and 19, respectively.
For additional opportunities, please visit www.aip.org/fyi/opportunities. Know of an opportunity for scientists to engage in science policy? Email us at fyi@aip.org.
Know of an upcoming science policy event either inside or outside the Beltway? Email us at fyi@aip.org.

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