Science Community News
National Academies Seeks Experts for Study on Telehealth in Disability Evaluations
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is seeking experts to participate in a new study examining the use of telehealth and remote testing in Social Security Administration disability evaluations. The study will review current research on the reliability and validity of remote medical examinations, compare remote assessments with in-person testing, and identify best practices and limitations in evaluating medical severity and functional capacity. NASEM is interested in experts with backgrounds in telehealth services and health services research, psychiatry, psychology, mental health, neurology, Social Security disability evaluation, policy, and medical assessment. The study will also examine remote intelligence…
National Academies Seeks Experts for Workshop on Emerging Adults in the Criminal/Legal System
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is seeking experts to participate in a workshop examining how the criminal/legal system responds to emerging adults ages 18 to 25. The workshop will explore research on cognitive, emotional, and social development during this period and consider the implications for criminal justice policies and practices. It will also examine promising interventions to improve public safety, reduce recidivism, and promote individual and community well-being. NASEM is interested in experts with backgrounds in adolescent and young adult development, criminology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, law, public safety, and evidence-based justice interventions. The workshop will…
National Academies Seeks Experts for Study on Literacy Across the Life Course
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is seeking nominations for experts to participate in a new study examining literacy across the life course. The study will explore the current state of literacy, the educational contexts in which individuals develop literacy skills, and the influence of digital tools on literacy. It will also examine promising programs for improving literacy and consider the implications of literacy for global competitiveness and national security. NASEM is interested in experts with backgrounds in literacy instruction, cognitive neuroscience, developmental and educational psychology, sociology, learning theory, workforce development, language and linguistics, educational assessment, education…
Research!America Requesting Applications for 2026-27 Civic Engagement Microgrants Program
Research!America announced the application period for its Civic Engagement Microgrant Program is now open. The program awards grants of up to $4,000 to STEM groups led by master’s, PhD, postdoc, or professional students to design and execute projects that create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. These funds provide opportunities for grantees to develop skills in areas such as communication and program planning, along with an understanding of public policy and government to have an impact in their local communities. Applications are accepted through November 20, 2026. More details are available…
National Academies to Host Seminar on Adapting the Federal Statistical Workforce
On September 24, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will host a virtual seminar, Adapting the Federal Statistical Workforce for a Changing Environment. The event will examine how federal statistical agencies are responding to changes in data collection, including declining survey response rates, the growing availability of alternative data sources, advances in artificial intelligence, and developments in statistical modeling. The seminar will also address challenges facing the federal statistical workforce, including budget constraints and reductions in staffing. The seminar will feature discussions on redesigning the federal statistical workforce to support the future of statistical production and building…
Call for Experts: Standing Committee on Use of AI in Science
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is seeking suggestions for experts to participate in the new Standing Committee on Use of AI in Science: Integrity, Trust, and Innovation in the Scientific Enterprise. The committee will examine how artificial intelligence is challenging established norms, standards, and governance mechanisms within scientific research, with particular attention to research trustworthiness, reproducibility, transparency, and alignment with societal values. The committee will host a series of public sessions addressing issues including research integrity and reproducibility, transparency and trustworthiness, authorship and accountability, and peer review. A small group of experts will also develop issue…
American Physical Society Seeking Input into the Future of NSF
The American Physical Society (APS) is seeking partnerships with the broader research community to develop recommendations to potentially shape the future activities of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The initiative, called NSF Forward, welcomes ideas from all disciplines and sectors. Submissions are due September 14.
AAU Releases ‘Leading University Reports’ on NSF and IES Slow Grant Making
The Association of American Universities (AAU) released two Leading University Reports in July on the slow-spend of appropriated funds within the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) housed within the Department of Education. The first article, NSF Is Making Fewer Grants, Threatening the Future of Scientific Discovery, released July 10, notes that NSF’s Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate (SBE) has awarded only 38 grants this year compared to an average of 357 awards between fiscal years (FY) 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The article continues that the uncertainty regarding awards is leading to “a reduction…
New Special Feature: Science in Service: Behavioral Research Applications across Federal Agencies
The Science in Service: Behavioral Research Applications across Federal Agencies Special Feature demonstrates how behavioral science helps government agencies better serve the public through evidence-based decision-making. The articles demonstrate applications across consumer protection, financial regulation, pharmaceutical oversight, health insurance policy, and government benefits administration, illustrating how behavioral research informs regulations, improves public-facing programs, and supports more effective policy implementation. Together, the papers highlight the value of interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and practitioners, revealing how behavioral insights can strengthen public institutions, improve outcomes for citizens, and generate new opportunities for advancing both science and public service. This Special Feature was organized by Alycia…
NAS and NAM Name Neil Shubin and Monica Bertagnolli as New Presidents
On July 1, Neil Shubin began his tenure as president of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and Monica Bertagnolli as president of National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Prior to his appointment, Shubin led a molecular biology and paleontology research laboratory at the University of Chicago. Bertagnolli previously served as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Cancer Institute under the Biden Administration. Notably, Bertagnolli is the first woman to serve as President of NAM. This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Caroline Seo.
NASEM Hosts Third Annual State of the Science Address
On June 2, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) hosted the State of the Science Address, an annual review of the status of the U.S.’s research enterprise, science innovation, and global science leadership (see previous coverage). During her address, NASEM President Marcia McNutt reiterated a concern from her 2025 address—that the U.S. scientific research enterprise is weakening as American and international researchers pursue research opportunities outside of the U.S. McNutt discussed the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) recently proposed rule titled Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (see COSSA’s coverage here). McNutt raised concerns that this rule would take…
Remembering Ken Prewitt
Earlier this month the COSSA community lost one of its most stalwart champions and dedicated public servants, Dr. Kennith Prewitt. Ken’s connections with COSSA run deep, having served numerous positions at COSSA member universities, as director of NORC at the University of Chicago, president of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), and president of the American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS). He was nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve as Director of the Census Bureau (1998-2001). During his time at SSRC in the early 1980s, Ken was responsible for assisting with the launch of COSSA. He later…
AAAS Accepting Nominations for 2027 Awards & Prizes
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) announced that nominations are now open for the following awards and prizes: AAAS also sponsors a wide range of other awards and prizes recognizing scientists, engineers, authors, journalists and public servants for significant contributions to science and the public’s understanding of science. The deadline for all nominations is June 30, 2026 and winners will be announced in early 2027. Learn more on the AAAS website.
Register Now: Enhancing Scientific Integrity: Progress and Opportunities in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Workshop
On April 23-24, the National Academy of Sciences will be hosting a workshop on “Enhancing Scientific Integrity: Progress and Opportunities in the Social and Behavioral Sciences“. This virtual workshop will bring together researchers, journal editors, publishers, funders, and scientific association leaders to identify practical, forward-looking strategies for strengthening data integrity and transparency in the social and behavioral sciences. Participants will explore innovative tools and frameworks to detect and prevent errors, promote accountability, and reinforce public trust in research. Discussions will also consider how journals, institutions, and professional societies can adopt fair, sustainable practices that support scientific rigor while ensuring accessibility for…
Submit and Register for the Data Foundation’s Genesis Mission Virtual Forum
Join the Data Foundation for a dynamic virtual forum focused on the Genesis Mission Executive Order. The Order establishes a sweeping national initiative to accelerate AI-driven scientific discovery through the creation of the American Science and Security Platform. This public forum invites researchers, policy experts, technologists, advocates, university research leaders, and federal partners to examine the Order’s immediate implications for university-federal research collaborations, particularly workforce pathways that will shape how higher education institutions engage with this initiative, and the new partnerships and data governance frameworks may be necessary. The forum will aim to educate and garner actionable insights for university and nonprofit leaders…
Neil H. Shubin Elected President of the National Academy of Sciences
On February 4, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) announced that Neil H. Shubin has been elected as the Academy’s next president. His five-year term will begin on July 1. Shubin was first elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2011 and has served on several of its committees, including the Editorial Board of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and the Advisory Board of LabX. Previously, Shubin served as the Vice Dean for Academic Advancement and Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago. “I am honored to be elected to lead the National…
Monica Bertagnolli Elected President of the National Academy of Medicine
The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced that Monica Bertagnolli, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been elected as the Academy’s next president. Bertagnolli’s six-year term will begin on July 1, 2026. She was elected as a member of the NAM in 2021 and will be the first woman to serve as president of the NAM since its establishment as the Institute of Medicine in 1970. Previously, Bertagnolli served as director of the National Cancer Institute before becoming director of the NIH and earlier held academic and clinical leadership roles at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital and…
Call for Nominations: Golden Goose Award
Nominate your colleagues, collaborators, and role models for a Golden Goose Award! The Award honors federally funded researchers whose work may sound odd or obscure, but ultimately had a major positive impact on society. The purpose of the Award is to demonstrate the human and/or economic benefits of federally funded scientific research. It’s intended to demonstrate that scientific outcomes build upon each other and that the technological advances that flow from them cannot easily be predicted at the outset of a particular scientific research project. Nominations for the 2026 Golden Goose Awards are being accepted through December 12, 2025. More information and the…
Nominations Open for NASEM Planning Committee on New Scientific Integrity Workshop
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is seeking nominations for a planning committee that would be tasked with organizing a new workshop, Enhancing Scientific Integrity: Progress and Opportunities in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. The workshop seeks to address common questions and concerns, including: NASEM is looking for experts in a broad range of areas, including journal editors and publishers; behavioral and social science researchers; professional association leaders; legal/criminology expertise; AI expertise; and ethics. Nominations are due November 7 and can be submitted here.
Independent Census Scientific Advisory Committee Meets for the First Time
As previously reported by COSSA, the Independent Census Scientific Advisory Committee (I-CSAC) met on September 18 to discuss several items that were scheduled to be reviewed by the federal advisory committee prior to its abrupt termination, including the 2030 Census Disclosure Avoidance System; Determining the Privacy Loss Budget for the IRS Use Case; and the Environmental Impacts Frame. Barbara Entwisle, who served as the Chair of the Census Scientific Advisory Committee (CSAC), began the meeting by emphasizing that the goal of the independent committee is to continue to “provide scientific expertise” and “constructive feedback” to ensure an accurate and timely 2030…