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National Science Foundation Mandates Safe and Inclusive Environment Plans for Off-Campus Research

National Science Foundation Mandates Safe and Inclusive Environment Plans for Off-Campus Research

The National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency established in 1950 to promote scientific progress and national defense, has implemented a new requirement for Principal Investigators (PIs) on funded proposals. For new or renewal proposals submitted on or after January 30, 2023, PIs engaging in off-campus or off-site research activities must create and distribute a plan for a safe and inclusive work environment to all participants before departure. This mandate applies to research involving data, information, or samples collected off-campus, such as fieldwork on research vessels and aircraft. The plan must address how abuse, harassment, stalking, bullying, or hazing will be handled, steps for preventing and reporting unwelcome conduct, and measures to foster an inclusive working environment. It also requires outlining communication protocols, considering special circumstances like multiple organizations or third parties, and establishing a process for incident reporting and resolution. ...

National Science Foundation Funds Research Opportunities at MagLab in Florida

National Science Foundation Funds Research Opportunities at MagLab in Florida

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is providing funding for research opportunities at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) in Tallahassee, Florida. The MagLab, which is also sponsored by the State of Florida, is actively seeking a Research Faculty member for its Electron Magnetic Resonance (EMR) facility. This position aims to strengthen the facility and advance cutting-edge EMR research in high magnetic field environments. The MagLab's mission is to advance discovery, innovation, and education by developing and operating powerful and versatile high magnetic field facilities. It provides researchers globally with access to experiments in high magnetic fields without cost, empowering them to explore scientific frontiers and drive transformative technologies. The EMR program specifically offers state-of-the-art high-frequency continuous-wave and pulsed EPR spectrometers and assists with electron magnetic resonance measurements at frequencies and fields not typically available at other inst...

NSF Research Experiences for Teachers Program Maintains Annual Deadline Amidst Broader Funding Changes

NSF Research Experiences for Teachers Program Maintains Annual Deadline Amidst Broader Funding Changes

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science program is accepting proposals for RET Sites with a hard annual deadline of October 14, 2026. This contrasts with the NSF's recent decision to shift many of its core disciplinary solicitations, totaling over $1.5 billion, to a 'Proposals Accepted Anytime' model, abolishing fixed submission calendars. The RET program, governed by solicitation NSF 24-503, remains outside this consolidation. The program funds approximately nine Site awards annually, with each capped at $600,000 over three years. However, the solicitation also highlights a less competitive 'Supplement' track, allowing existing NSF award holders to request additional funds (up to $15,000 per teacher) to bring K-14 educators into their labs, a mechanism often overlooked by eligible Principal Investigators (PIs).

Researchers Express Skepticism Over National Science Foundation's Proposed Metascience Office

Researchers Express Skepticism Over National Science Foundation's Proposed Metascience Office

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced plans for a new metascience office, intended to inform changes to the agency's approach to funding and merit review. This initiative, outlined in a memo by acting NSF Director Brian Stone, has met with skepticism from some researchers. Concerns have been raised regarding potential threats to the integrity of peer review processes and the possibility of political interference in grant allocations. While the concept of metascience—the study of how science is conducted—is generally viewed positively, critics question the NSF's true intentions and the independence of such an office, especially given its proposed placement under the Office of the Director. Some experts also point to the agency's apparent move to eliminate the Directorate of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, which funds science-of-science research, as contradictory to the new metascience initiative.

Representatives García, Hayes, and Senator Booker Reintroduce DIVERSIFY Act to Double TEACH Grant Funding

Representatives García, Hayes, and Senator Booker Reintroduce DIVERSIFY Act to Double TEACH Grant Funding

Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) have reintroduced the Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth (DIVERSIFY) Act. This legislation aims to strengthen and expand the TEACH Grant program, which was established in 2007 to provide financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing teaching careers in high-need fields and low-income communities. The core proposal of the DIVERSIFY Act is to increase the maximum TEACH Grant award from $4,000 to $8,000 per year, aligning it with the current cost of higher education. The bill also seeks to end sequestration cuts to the grant, eliminate the loan conversion penalty, and expand eligibility to cover the full cost of attendance rather than just tuition, fees, and institutionally owned housing. Additionally, it proposes expanding TEACH Grant eligibility for early educators by recognizing service in high-need early education programs and codifying early chil...

Stockton Record

Do clocks fall back this weekend? When daylight saving time ends in California

Do clocks fall back this weekend? When daylight saving time ends in California

Here’s what Stockton-area readers should know as Californians get ready to turn their clocks back one hour.

Congresswoman McIver Introduces Bill to Enhance SBA Reporting for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Congresswoman McIver Introduces Bill to Enhance SBA Reporting for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has introduced the “Ensuring SBA Implementation of GAO Recommendations Act of 2026.” This proposed legislation aims to direct the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) veteran business office to establish clear procedures for reporting on veteran-owned small businesses. The bill's stated goal is to mandate the SBA to report on methods to improve veteran-owned businesses' access to federal contracting opportunities and SBA programs. It also addresses a finding by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that indicated the SBA had previously lacked proper procedures for its annual reporting requirements. This initiative seeks to create more transparency and accountability within the SBA's efforts to support veteran entrepreneurs.

Representative Maxwell Frost Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Extend FEMA Appeal Deadlines

Representative Maxwell Frost Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Extend FEMA Appeal Deadlines

U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill, the 'Post-Disaster Protection Act,' which recently advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This legislation, also led by Representatives Mike Ezell and Kimberlyn King-Hinds, aims to extend the appeal period for FEMA disaster assistance denials from 60 to 90 days. The proposed change would align the time disaster survivors and government applicants have to appeal with the time FEMA has to review those appeals. Supporters of the bill argue that this extension would provide applicants with more adequate time to gather necessary documents and respond to FEMA's decisions. The bill has garnered support from various organizations, including the National Association of Counties and the National League of Cities, and has multiple Democratic and Republican co-sponsors, indicating broad agreement on its practical benefits.

Representative Mark Pocan Introduces Debt-Free College Act of 2026 to Expand Federal Student Aid Eligibility

Representative Mark Pocan Introduces Debt-Free College Act of 2026 to Expand Federal Student Aid Eligibility

Representative Mark Pocan has introduced H.R. 10455, the Debt-Free College Act of 2026, which aims to establish a federal grant program supporting state-federal partnerships for debt-free college. The bill, received on September 16, 2026, with 17 cosponsors, outlines conditions for participating states, including maintaining or increasing public higher education funding, capping tuition, and utilizing grant money for unmet student financial needs and success programs. Educational institutions participating in the program would be required to maintain or increase low-income student enrollment, sustain institutional aid for these students, provide full cost of attendance calculations, and disclose debt-free college options. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions such as probation, fines, or loss of program eligibility. Additionally, the bill proposes a separate grant program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) for need-based financ...

Pitt Community College Secures NSF Grant to Enhance Biotechnology Training

Pitt Community College Secures NSF Grant to Enhance Biotechnology Training

Pitt Community College Secures NSF Grant to Enhance Biotechnology Training

House Passes Pappas's Bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, Moves to Senate for Consideration

House Passes Pappas's Bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, Moves to Senate for Consideration

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, introduced by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), has unanimously passed the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation aims to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This measure is designed to combat the illicit use of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, as a cutting agent in deadly drugs like fentanyl, which exacerbates the opioid crisis. The bill also includes provisions to protect the legal use of xylazine by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers, ensuring they can continue to use the drug for its intended purpose. The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

House Passes IFPTE-Supported WRDA Bill with Deluzio's Language on USACE Boundary Realignment

House Passes IFPTE-Supported WRDA Bill with Deluzio's Language on USACE Boundary Realignment

The House of Representatives has passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with overwhelming support, by a vote of 415-9. This bill, which is a two-year reauthorization and policy bill for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works projects, operations, and other federally supported water infrastructure programs, includes language added by Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA). This language mandates that the USACE must inform Congress and consult with stakeholders before implementing any boundary realignment. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) supported the bill, noting its favorable provisions on boundary realignment. However, IFPTE also raised concerns about the USACE's ongoing efforts to move offices out of New York City, deeming it a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars that could lead to skilled workers leaving the agency and harm critical missions.