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AAAS Report
XXXV
Research and
Development
FY 2011
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The 283-page report was officially released at the AAAS S&T Policy Forum on May 13-14, 2010. This reference work provides a comprehensive analysis of R&D in the President's FY 2011 Budget Request, including specialized analyses by theme, major agency, and discipline. New this year are funding tables for each discipline and a disciplinary chapter on Food, Nutrition, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences. For more information on
R&D in the FY 2011 budget, click here.
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Greetings!
The Future of R&D Funding
I've been asked to get out my crystal ball and make a prediction on what will happen to the federal Research and Development (R&D) funding, now that the Republicans have control in the House. After reading numerous sources (see list below), I can say with a great deal of confidence that it doesn't look good for science and technology. As one of the legislators said, "R&D funding should have been put in Homeland Security to protect it!".
While reining in the deficit is priority for both Democrats and Republicans, both parties have different plans on how to do so. The Obama administration has directed non-security agencies to submit FY2012 budget proposals that total 5% less and also requested a list of low impact programs totaling an additional 5% of the non-discretionary budget. While overall budget cuts are imminent, it's likely that the Obama administration budget request will spare an R&D funding cut.
The 2010 Republican Agenda, A Pledge to America, contains a pair of policy positions that could have significant impact on federal R&D investment. The plan, if executed, would cut more than $8 billion in federal research and development from what Obama had proposed for 2011, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) analysis. Nearly $3 billion would come from National Institutes of Health (NIH), while National Security Agency (NSA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Energy (DOE) would lose more than a billion a piece.
Initially, America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act was signed into law by former President George W. Bush on August 9, 2007 in response to the 2005 National Academies report Rising above the Gathering Storm. In May 2010, the House passed the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 to provide $85.6 billion over five years for science research and education. Agencies involved in the America COMPETES ACT would be strongest hit. These agencies include: NSF (-11.1% in R&D from FY2010), the Department of Energy's Office of Science (-14.8% in R&D from FY2010) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (-14.1% in R&D from FY 2010). For the NSF this equates to over 1400 fewer new awards than in FY2010! Secondly, a hard cap on discretionary budget would make it more difficult for Congress to implement R&D initiatives such as the President's Plan for Science and Innovation and the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, currently under consideration in Congress.
Head butting and partisanship are likely to be overarching themes in the next Congress and R&D and technology will not be spared cuts. Some of the science agenda have allready received authorization bills but not appropriations bills. One of the positions that Obama administration has as an advantage is that Republicans do not want to be blamed for a shutdown of government. The last government shutdown in 1995-1996 resulting from partisian bickering worked against the Republicans.
I wish I had better news. Therefore, it is incumbent on us to be alert in the debate of scientific R&D funding, and become engaged when appropriate! We don't want to lose the gains we made over the last few years due to partisan politics!
Happy Holidays to all of you!
We remain United in Friendship through Science,
Dee McManus
National GWIS Executive Director
Science-R&D Budget and Policy Program, September 21, 2010
The Hill - Congressional newspaper published daily when Congress is in session. 05/28/10 Reauthorization of America COMPETES
Legislative Highlights-July 31,2007-COMPETES
Scientific American-What do the 2010 Election Results mean for Federal Science Budgets? November 5, 2010
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National GWIS News
National Activities GWIS is a volunteer organization that encourages its members to become actively involved to support the organizational goals. Volunteer Positions include: AAAS Representative, Chapter Establishment, Chapter Maintenance, Development, Editor, Fellowships Committee, Fellowship Reviewer, Honorary Member Award Committee, International Relations, Membership Committee, Newsletter and e-news Contributor, Nominations Committee, Parliamentary, and Public Relations.
Contact the Executive Director or the nominations committee for more information about each position.
Nominations Committee:
Chair, Michelle Carter (Xi) 2008-11 ( carte008@umn.edu) Melissa Wilson-Sayres (Nu) 2009-2012 ( mwilsonsayres@gmail.com) Alexis Rudd (Alpha Lambda) 2010-2013 ( abrudd@gmail.com)
As a National Organization we foster the following activities: - Provide a forum to discuss members' interests including research, employment opportunities, science outreach, education, public policy, and more.
- Publish and distribute the GWIS Bulletin to members.
- Support women graduate and undergraduate students in the sciences.
- Co-sponsor scientific symposia and other projects with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and other professional organizations.
- Recognize women who have made exceptional contributions to research or science education.
- Award National fellowships in support of research and travel to scientific meeting.
- Publish and distribute monthly e-news with current information on grants, chapters, and GWIS members.
Very Brief History of GWIS
We have a rich history with 90 years as a professional organization of women in science. Women obtained the right to vote in 1920, and Sigma Delta Epsilon-Graduate Women in Science (now called GWIS) was incorporated in 1922! So you can imagine the stories of our members. We have attempted to capture our colorful history in three historical publications authored by GWIS members, and the last publication which is a culmination of the 87 years is now available. Please visit our web page by clicking here to purchase a copy. Dr. Viola Graham was a graduate student in 1921 when she designed the beautiful insignia that we use today. It's encompasses several disciplines of the society's membership while stating our society's slogan with the Greek letters-Sigma, Delta, Epsilon, which translates to "United in Friendship through Science".
The Key includes a:
Benzene Ring for Chemistry
Nile Key for Biology
Nabla Delta for Mathematics
Thunderbolt for Physics
Honorary Membership Awards Committee Announcement
2010-2011 committee: Dr. Helen D. Haller, Omega; Dr. Regina Vidaver, Beta; Jennifer Quiceno, Kappa
The Honorary Membership Awards Committee solicits nominations for Honorary Membership from chapters or individuals.The committee does not normally initiate nominations. Once nominations are received during the review process the committee may ask for further details or clarification, if appropriate. Completed nominations are then submitted to the National Council for their review, and the members of National Council are asked to vote on the nominations the next time the y meet (whether in person or in a web conference call). Names approved by National Council are then sent to all the chapters for their review and their vote. Chapters are given 60 days to send a response back to the Corresponding Secretary, voting in either the affirmative or the negative. If an individual is approved by two-thirds of the chapters voting, the process of nomination is complete. The person should be notified, and may be invited to attend the next Grand Chapter meeting or, failing that, the next meeting of the nearest chapter, so that her certificate can be presented. If presentation in person is not possible, the certificate can be mailed.
Note that this procedure does not have specific deadlines, but if a person is to be approved by the chapters in enough time so that she can be invited to the next Grand Chapter meeting, the nomination should be in the hands of the committee by December 1. Honorary Membership is the highest honor that Sigma Delta Epsilon Graduate Women in Science bestows. It has been the custom in recent years to limit the number of new Honorary Members to three per year.
Please contact the committee chair Dr. Helen D. Haller for further information and the nomination form at: wordbird@rochester.rr.com
Call for Monthly E-NEWS Contributions
Dear Chapter Liaisons and GWIS members,
Hope you enjoy the news from our members! Please send your chapter events and news that you would like to share with other GWIS members to be included in our monthly E-News letter to our Corresponding and Recording Secretary Dr. Uromi M. Goodale at gwisrecec@gmail.com and our Executive Director Dee McManus at gwised@mac.com on or before the 25th of each month. We greatly appreciate and encourage you to submit photographs along with your news item. When you do so, please identify the full names of your members in the photograph and provide a brief description.
Our community is growing and we are pleased to share with you the exciting news and events from our members and chapters!
Dr. Uromi M. Goodale
National Corresponding and Recording Secretary, GWIS
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Chapter News
Sigma Delta Chapter - Sioux Falls, SD
Meeting with Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether
Submitted by Diane Maher, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Cancer Biology Research Center, Sanford Research USD
In October, the Sigma Delta (GWIS-SD) chapter had a special guest: Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether. During this lunch meeting, GWIS-SD members had the opportunity to tell Mr. Huether about their newly established GWIS chapter. He was encouraged by the GWIS-SD chapter goals and progress. Mr. Huether also had the opportunity to tell the chapter more about himself and his plans for Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. GWIS-SD members enjoyed an informal discussion regarding a variety of topics and established a direct relationship with one of the most influential people in Sioux Falls.
Upcoming Event Announcement
The first ever GWIS-SD chapter holiday fundraising event will be held Saturday, December 18, and includes dinner, entertainment provided by Ballaraena dance company and a silent auction. All proceeds from the sale of auctioned items will go to GWIS-SD chapter to support women in science across South Dakota by permitting the planning of community outreach events, supporting research grants and awards, and facilitating community networking.
Ticket prices: Single $25/Double $45
While we welcome visiting members from other chapters, please reserve your ticket ASAP as space is limited. Make checks payable to GWIS-SD and send to Jill Weimer (GWIS-SD President) at Sanford Research to the below address. We hope you will be able to join us for this fun, festive event!
Jill M Weimer, PhD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Children's Health Research Center
2301 East 60th Street North
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605.312.6407
Tau Chapter - San Diego, CA
GWIS Tau Chapter hosted Andrea Schneider, the author of "You are Not Alone - Life After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis" as their November speaker on the 15th of November at the Hahn University Center at University of San Diego. In 2006, at age 41, Andrea learned she had breast cancer. During her extensive research, the treatment choices offered for early stage breast cancer shocked her. Having her breasts removed as one of the treatment options surprised her the most. Andrea's skills as an attorney guided her through four years of researching breast cancer and writing the book. She writes from a layperson and survivor's viewpoint rather than from a medical perspective. Andrea lives in San Diego with her two children. She has used her breast cancer experience to transform her personal health and is now in the best physical shape of her life. Women should no longer be dying of breast cancer! Her book is for ALL women who are interested in preventing, diagnosing, treating, dealing with, and learning more about breast cancer. It empowers women with easy to understand, vital information to guide them through their breast cancer experience and helps women become aware of their options while giving them the confidence, hope, inspiration, and skills to make the right treatment decisions. Along with valuable research, Andrea candidly shared her personal experiences, including her thoughts and feelings.
Nu Chapter - Penn State University
Brown Bag Discussion Nu Chapter held a Brown Bag Discussion called "Stress Management and Relaxation on a Grad Student's Budget." Dr. Kimberly Trainer from American Chiropractic Spa and Retreat gave great advice on how to relax after a hard day's work and tips for managing stress. She even had some spa treatment giveaways and some lucky attendees got massage and facial demonstrations.
Inside the Scientists Studio (ISS) Seminar
Inspired by Inside the Actor's Studio, Nu chapter organized the "Inside the Scientists Studio (ISS)", a monthly seminar series of lively, interactive interviews with two guests from faculty, industry, or government professionals in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The interviews are general and discuss the life experiences of the interviewees: family-work balance, graduate life and communicating with one's advisor, career decisions and challenges, and plans for the future. Guests are typically female, but men are also invited to speak. Nu chapter professionally video tapes each event, and past event videos can be found on their web site using the below link:
The 2010-2011 ISS Series are sponsored by the WISE institute. Free lunch is served at or after the event. If you are in the area please join us at the event!
The November Inside the Scientists Studio (ISS) Seminar featured two professors from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences: Dr. Eliza Richardson, Assistant Professor of Geophysics, and Dr. Lorraine Dowler, Associate Professor of Geography and Women's Studies. The speakers gave valuable advice on transitioning from Student to Professor. Dr. Dowler spoke about a new perspective on being truly interdisciplinary as a 'social scientist' in a college of physical scientists and engineers.
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Past Fellowship Winners - Where are they now?
By Melissa A. Wilson Sayers (Nu Chapter)
Dr. Ruth Franklin, GWIS Nell I. Mondy Fellowship Winner
Dr. Ruth Franklin Nell I. Mondy Fellowship Winner (2008)
Project Coordinator University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Ruth Franklin graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Exercise Science. She is currently working as a project coordinator at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is planning to transition from research into academic administration. In preparation for this transition, in the upcoming semester she will be completing a professional internship in the office of the Vice Chancellor of Research. In addition to being awarded the 2008 GWIS Nell I. Mondy Fellowship, Dr. Franklin was recognized for her thesis work by the 2010 Syracuse University Graduating Doctoral Student Award, given to outstanding PhD graduates. Outside of the lab, she has also been quite busy; she got married this past Fall 2010!
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National News
Recommendation Letters may be Costing Jobs and Promotions for Women
A recommendation letter could be the chute in a woman's career ladder, according to ongoing research at Rice University. Martin R.C., Hebl M.R., and J. M. Madera's study, "Gender and Letters of Recommendation for Academia: Agentic and Communal Differences" was published last year in the American Psychological Association's Journal of Applied Psychology. This comprehensive study, funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, shows that qualities mentioned in recommendation letters for women differ sharply from those for men, and those differences may be costing women jobs and promotions in academia and medicine. The authors are currently beginning data collection on their next study on recommendation letters for medical faculty positions.
Union of Concerned Scientists
"Citizens and Scientists for Environmental Solutions"
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 250,000 citizens and scientists. UCS members are people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students. The achievements of UCS over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet. UCS can be found at: http://www.ucsusa.org/
The Shadow Scholar
On November 12th, "The Chronicle of Higher Education" published the story of the man who writes your students' papers. Under the pseudonym Ed Dante, he writes about how he makes a living writing papers for a custom-essay company and describes the extent of student cheating that he has experienced. The Chronicle reviewed Ed's claims and published his account altering details to protect the identity of the individuals mentioned by Ed. The full article can be found at: http://chronicle.com/article/The-Shadow-Scholar/125329/
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,Useful Websites for Funding and Job Opportunities
Women and Underrepresented Groups Links
Northeastern University Page
Preparing for a Dual Career
The Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at the Carlleton College - This is a great collection of case studies of dual career couples in geoscience as well as other disciplines on the SERC website. This collection illustrates a number of different solutions to the "two-body" problem, based on a variety of job search strategies. The web page also includes a number of other resources for dual career couples.
Job Search and Career Links
Northeastern University Page
American Association for the Advancement of Science Page - Membership to this site is free but you have to input your information and establish a web account.
Post Doctoral Fellowships in the Biological Sciences - This page, sponsored by the University of California, Berkeley, provides information on some fellowships for postdoctoral researchers in the biological sciences.
Scientific Grants and Funding Links
American Association for the Advancement of Science Page - Membership to this site is free but you have to input your information and establish a web account. And you can opt to receive a weekly e-mail for grant deadlines.
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