In this issue:

Message to Members: Analyzing US Research and Development Funding

News to Note: R&D in 2011 Budget, Satellite Images of Haiti, East African Development, Synthetic DNA, Biodefense Policy Work Force, Comparative Effectiveness Research, Underrepresented Minorities in the Professoriate, Water and Energy Conservation, Marine Ecosystem Changes, Adaptation in Climate Policy, Success of Engineers with Disabilities, New Science Prize for Online Resources in Education

Science Careers: Upcoming Events

Announcements: 2011 Annual Meeting Symposium Proposals, AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops, GrantsNet Funding Opportunities, Minority Science Writers Internships, AAAS President's Circle

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Message to Members

Analyzing US Research and Development Funding

Dear Colleagues,

AAAS works at the intersection of science, government, and society, with an array of programs that help bring science more closely into the policy making process. We track and analyze funding trends, issuing regular updates and annual in-depth analyses as a service to the research community.

We are currently examining in detail R&D funding in the proposed US budget for FY 2011, released on 1 February and presented by science adviser John P. Holdren during a briefing at AAAS. The budget shows that overall support for R&D is essentially flat compared with FY 2010, but also proposes significant shifts within the budget to echo priorities announced by President Obama in his State of the Union Address, including significant new investments in basic research. For example, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and National Institutes of Health all received proposed funding increases. Details are covered in the news item below and our preliminary analysis is posted at http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/.

We thank all AAAS members for supporting the vital science policy and research funding initiatives that are an integral component of our mission to advance science and serve society.

Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS


P.S. We hope to see you at "Bridging Science and Society," the 2010 AAAS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California 18-22 February. For details, go to http://www.aaas.org/meetings.

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News to Note

Proposed US 2011 Budget Includes Key R&D Funding Increases
Science adviser John P. Holdren told a briefing at AAAS that although proposed overall R&D funding for 2011 shows an increase of just 0.2 percent compared with the previous year, the budget contains bright spots for the nation's science and technology enterprise. Basic research, along with energy, health, and climate, are among the sectors that would receive expanded funding -- programs that are considered essential to promote economic growth. The budget includes a 5.6 percent increase overall for basic and applied research. Nondefense R&D would rise by 5.9 percent. Read more about proposed increases for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

Geographers Use Satellite Images to Assess Haitian Relief Needs
In the days following the 12 January earthquake, the AAAS Science and Human Rights Program's projects on geospatial technology, joined other groups in an informal international network to measure the damage shown by satellite images and assist humanitarian efforts. An image taken a day after the quake showing clusters of people in Port-au-Prince could help direct food, water, and medical care to the right places. Open areas indicated possible helicopter landing sites. Geographers are sharing knowledge of data sets that can assist disaster relief and better indicate the population of Haiti following the disaster. They believe satellite images could have further applications in the weeks and months ahead, assisting resettlement activities. Read more and view a selection of satellite images.

East African Officials Detail Science-Driven Development Efforts
During a public discussion at AAAS, science policy leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda detailed efforts by their governments and Burundi to develop expertise in science and technology and to use regional scientific cooperation to address common challenges. These efforts range from wildlife conservation and management of natural resources to a regional fiber-optic network and S&T education and training. The collaborations also extend to South Africa, France, India, Japan, and other countries, reflecting shared global challenges such as climate change, energy, food, security, infectious diseases, clean water, population control, and conflicts. Read more about the effort to use S&T as an engine for sustainable economic growth and development.

Experts Meet at AAAS to Discuss Minimizing the Risks of Synthetic DNA
The release of Screening Framework Guidance for Synthetic Double-Stranded DNA Providers by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in late November led to a day-long evaluation of the proposed recommendations at AAAS in January, as requested by HHS and the US Department of State. The gathering of researchers, industry representatives, and policy experts concluded that the voluntary guidelines designed to sharply limit terrorists' and criminals' access to synthetic DNA would largely achieve security goals without harming research. However, the meeting participants did offer specific recommendations to address some concerns related to the emerging sector of gene manufacturers. Read more and access a video of the event, the AAAS summary report released 23 January, and the full text of HHS's Screening Framework.

AAAS Report Urges Robust Biodefense Policy Work Force
As the United States invests in measures to reduce vulnerability to disease outbreaks and bioterrorism, a new AAAS report calls for an increase in biodefense experts -- especially in policy making -- to meet new challenges in public health preparedness. The report highlights the increased use of potentially dangerous pathogens in civilian research labs, which brings new policy concerns about high containment labs, vetting of workers, materials transport, limits of publication of certain findings, and overall efficacy of federal oversight. Experts contributing to the report stated that an expanded biodefense policy community with knowledge of science as well as societal issues could contribute to policies that promote science as well as address national security concerns. Read more and access the full report.

Experts Weigh Benefits, Impact of Comparative Effectiveness Research
According to experts at a recent Capitol Hill briefing organized by AAAS and The Hastings Center, the use of science to assess the value of medical treatments through comparative effectiveness research (CER) remains widely misunderstood. Now part of the debate over health care reform, CER is seen by some analysts as a way to help control spiraling medical costs by fostering more prudent use of medical interventions, highlighting the clinical approaches likely to provide the greatest benefit to patients. The experts urged advocates to do a better job of explaining CER and its goal of giving doctors and patients better information for decision making about medical treatments and care. Read more.

Conference Addresses How to Increase Underrepresented Minorities in the Professoriate
AAAS's Education and Human Resources directorate, and the National Science Foundation's program Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) convened a brainstorming conference in Washington, D.C., to discuss how to move more underrepresented minority graduate students into the S&T work force. Although a 2009 AAAS report shows a 34 percent increase in Ph.D.s awarded by AGEP institutions to underrepresented minorities in S&T fields from 2001 through 2008, the number of faculty members who are minorities has not increased. Participants discussed challenges and strategies for diversifying faculties as well as other parts of the S&T work force, including industrial and national labs. Read more about the program and watch a brief video presentation of the AAAS report.

Energy Experts Link Water Use and Electricity Needs, Urging Conservation
Two top energy experts at a AAAS panel discussion urged US federal and local governments to explore new strategies to meet the nation's water and electricity needs as demand increases due to population growth and the changing climate. Stressing that the two resources are inextricably intertwined, with electricity generation requiring water, and water delivery to residential, commercial, and agricultural users requiring energy, the panel said conservation efforts must focus on both. In fact, 50 to 60 percent of US water use goes toward energy production, most through water withdrawal to cool electricity-producing turbines. The panelists offered recommendations to reduce personal consumption, as well as technological strategies to reduce overall use during one of a series of Science and Society: Global Challenges seminars. Read more.

Marine Scientists Urge Adaptation to Changes in Ecosystems
Humans and marine life will be forced to adapt to the effects of climate change on oceans already left vulnerable by overfishing and pollution, according to two marine scientists speaking at a recent AAAS panel discussion. While mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are important, the speakers stressed, the world already faces decades of climate change as a result of global warming. The scientists reported that the rise in ocean temperatures in the North Sea and Northeast Atlantic Ocean has changed the distribution, abundance, and seasonality of fish, benthos, and plankton -- and called for better marine resources management to reduce fishing pressure, habitat disturbance, and pollution, making oceans more adaptable. Read more about the discussion, part of a series entitled "Beyond Copenhagen: Scientific Perspectives on Adaptation and Sustainability."

Capitol Hill Briefing Stresses Vital Role of Adaptation in Climate Policy
A panel of experts at a Capitol Hill briefing for congressional staffers, co-organized by AAAS, called for the development of new strategies to help the public and the economy adapt to the disruptions that will be caused by climate change. The panelists warned that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses commit the world to significant challenges including rising sea levels, disruption of biological systems, and weather extremes that will intensify during this century. In addition to mitigation to reduce emissions, federal and state governments can prepare citizens and infrastructure through comprehensive risk-management strategies. Read more about the challenges for coastal communities, the nation's water systems, agricultural growing seasons, and other critical concerns.

Engineers with Disabilities Describe Their Strategies for Success
From his wheelchair, an engineering professor described his compromises and frustrations while also stressing that one could build a high-impact career despite the challenges. He encouraged his audience to focus on what they are good at, rather than what they cannot do. "Problem Solvers: Education and Career Paths of Engineers with Disabilities" brought 90 participants to AAAS in the first-of-its-kind meeting, which was funded by the National Science Foundation. Some 50 engineers with disabilities, as well as advocates and other scientists from academia, industry, federal agencies, and professional societies, described the problem-solving strategies and assistive technologies that contribute to success. Read more and learn about the AAAS Project on Science, Technology, and Disability.

Genetics Websites Win New Science Prize for Online Resources in Education
Two websites created at the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center are providing an excellent source of new genetics and genomics research material. Because of their value as educational tools for a diverse audience of teachers, students, and the general public, the websites Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics are being honored with the first Science Prize for Online Resources in Education. The prize, designed to recognize the worthiest online materials available to science educators, noted the exploration of cutting-edge research and difficult topics such as epigenetics, neural pathways of drug addiction, and biotechnology, translated into understandable language. Read more, visit the Web sites, and access a Science article about the new prize.

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Science Careers

Science Careers, published by AAAS, offers many resources to help you advance your career. Whether you're seeking a new job, advice on career advancement in your chosen field, or ways to stay current on industry trends, you'll find helpful tools on the site - all for free. Thousands of searchable jobs from industry, academia, and government are available as well as Job Alert e-mails, Career Advice, a Resume/CV Database, webinars, and more. Visit ScienceCareers.org today.

Upcoming Events

AAAS 2010 Annual Meeting
San Diego, California, USA
Saturday, 20 February, 7:00-8:30 am: Speed Networking Breakfast
Saturday, 20 February, 11 am-12:30 pm: How to Publish in Science
Sunday, 21 February, 10-11 am: Careers Away From the Bench (panel)
Sunday, 21 February, 5-6:30 pm: Forum Meet and Greet

Georgia Tech Career Day
Keynote and Workshop
Thursday, 4 March, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Society of Toxicology
Networking Strategically
Tuesday, 9 March, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

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Announcements

Call for Symposium Proposals
2011 AAAS Annual Meeting: Science Without Borders
The AAAS Annual Meeting, which is one of the most widely recognized international interdisciplinary scientific events, will be held in Washington, D.C. from 17 to 21 February 2011. Thousands of leading scientists, engineers, educators, and policy makers will interact with one another and hundreds of members of the national and international media. Read more for the theme statement, and proposal submission guidelines and deadlines.

Nominate an Innovative High School Science Teacher: Deadline 21 May 2010
Calling all US high school science department chairs and administrators: you are invited to nominate teachers for the 2010 AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize for High School Teachers. The $1,000 prize honors a high school science teacher who has advanced science education by developing and implementing an effective strategy, activity, or program. For more information, contact lmatlock@aaas.org. Access prize details, nomination forms, and application forms.

Sign Up for 2010 Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops
Designed for K-12 science teachers, curriculum specialists, and other educators and researchers, these workshops demonstrate how participants can use the conceptual strand maps in Atlas 1and Atlas 2, along with other Project 2061 resources, to take a benchmarks-based approach to helping all students achieve literacy in science, mathematics, and technology.

Washington, D.C.
- 24-26 March
Ashland, Oregon
- 17-19 June
Calgary, Canada
- 8-11 September
Columbia, Missouri
- 6-8 October
Washington, D.C.
- 13-15 October
http://www.project2061.org/events/workshops/default.htm

Apply for Thousands of Grants, Millions in Funding Through GrantsNet
GrantsNet is your one-stop resource to find funds for research and training in the sciences. GrantsNet's database has some 2,500+ funding programs from government, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations. This resource offers the most comprehensive database of funding opportunities for research scientists and administrators, undergraduate and graduate students, career counselors, and financial aid specialists. www.GrantsNet.org

AAAS Minority Science Writers Internships: Apply by 1 March
The journal Science invites minority undergraduate students with a serious interest in science writing to apply for 10-week paid summer internships in Washington, D.C. The interns experience firsthand the process of covering the S&T issues that shape our global economy, under the guidance of award-winning reporters and editors. Find out more and access the application for the 2010 class.

Join the AAAS President's Circle
AAAS's undertaking to advance science in the service of society is an enormous one, especially now as we are increasingly called upon by the administration and Congress, the science community, and the public to speak up for science on a host of global issues. You can help to ensure that the voice of science -- your voice -- is heard by becoming a part of the President's Circle today with a philanthropic contribution of $500 or more. You will receive updates about our activities and invitations to AAAS events. You will also be invited to participate in a Live 2010 Webinar to be hosted later this year. Visit us online or call +1 (202) 326-6636 for more information.

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More About AAAS

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