In this issue:
PCAST MEETING DISCUSSES STEM AND ENERGY
On September 2nd, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) approved two new studies, which are slated to be released by the end of the month. The first study explores how the federal government can play both a leading and supporting role in improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, while the latter study investigates how the federal government can "accelerate the pace of change in energy technology through an integrated federal energy policy."
The STEM report, to be entitled "Prepare and Inspire: STEM Education for America's Future," supports most of the Administration's current initiatives to improve K-12 student achievement. Some of the report's suggestions will include:
- Increase the number of STEM specialty schools;
- Give special recognition to STEM master teachers; and,
- Create a "coherent strategy and leadership capacity for K-12 STEM education."
In addition, STEM task force co-chair, Eric Lander, Director of the Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, said the report focuses on inspiration of students as an integral component, saying, "a solid preparation in STEM areas isn't the only thing that students should expect from their education. Inspiration is also needed, at all levels, and we have to make sure that every element of our educational system is set up to both prepare and inspire."
The recommendations of the energy technology study were then laid out by PCAST members Ernie Moniz and Maxine Savitz. The emphasis of their presentation was the concurrent goals of competitiveness for the U.S., environmental causes, and energy security. Topping their list of recommendations was for a Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) across all federal agencies in order to ascertain the full amount being spent on energy research and development.
Other recommendations by the energy technology study task force included:
- $16 billion per year for energy technology research, with $10 billion arising from "new revenue sources," ostensibly from a restructuring of the Internal Revenue Code as well as the introduction of new price signals related to energy sources and their environmental impacts; o $12 billion exclusively devoted to RD&D with the possibility that procurement could be managed outside of the DOE;
- A full examination of all energy-related incentives and subsidies and their efficacy and impacts;
- Examination of the structure of programs within the DOE;
- Initiating a job training grant program and a robust social science research program; and,
- Replacing the DOE Office of Policy and International Affairs with two offices; an office of energy policy, and an office of international affairs.
Although some of these aforementioned suggestions may appear to be dramatic, the task force leaders were effusive with praise for both Energy Secretary Steven Chu, as well as some initiatives that have taken place under his tenure, including the launch of both the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program and Innovation Hubs. (Please see the February 5, 2010, and April 23, 2010 editions of Capitol Update for more information).
For more information about these two reports, please visit the archived webcast of the PCAST meeting, which can be found at: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/pcast/100902/
By the end of the month, more information should be available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/pcast/meetings
Melissa Carl covers public policy-related STEM workforce issues for ASME. She can be reached at: carlm@asme.org
Robert Rains covers public policy-related energy issues for ASME. He can be reached at: rainsr@asme.org
IAC RELEASES IPCC REVIEW
The InterAcademy Council (IAC) committee that conducted an independent review of the processes and procedures of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) delivered its report to the U.N. Secretary General on Monday, August 30th. The report, "Climate change Assessments: Review of the Processes and Procedures of the IPCC," found that "the process used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to produce its periodic assessment reports has been successful overall, but IPCC needs to fundamentally reform its management structure and strengthen its procedures to handle ever larger and increasingly complex climate assessments as well as the more intense public scrutiny coming from a world grappling with how best to respond to climate change."
The IPCC was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme to inform policy decisions through periodic assessments of what is known about the physical scientific aspects of climate change, its global and regional impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. These assessment reports have gained IPCC much respect including a share of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. However, amid an increasingly intense public debate about the science of climate change and costs of curbing it, IPCC has come under closer scrutiny, and controversies have erupted over its perceived impartiality toward climate policy and the accuracy of its reports.
The committee emphasized that in the end the quality of the assessment process and results depends on the quality of the leadership at all levels: "It is only by engaging the energy and expertise of a large cadre of distinguished scholars as well as the thoughtful participation of government representatives that high standards are maintained and that truly authoritative assessments continue to be produced." It also stressed that because intense scrutiny from policymakers and the public is likely to continue, IPCC needs to be as transparent as possible in detailing its processes, particularly its criteria for selecting participants and the type of scientific and technical information to be assessed.
A summary of the report's findings may be read at: http://reviewipcc.interacademycouncil.net/ReportNewsRelease.html.
The complete report may be downloaded at: http://reviewipcc.interacademycouncil.net/report.html
Robert Rains covers public policy-related environmental issues for ASME. He can be reached at: rainsr@asme.org
2011 SMART SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program, part of the National Defense Education Program, is currently accepting applications for its 2011 awards. SMART offers scholarships to undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students who have demonstrated ability and special aptitude for excelling in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Students are also provided opportunities to continue their research in civil service roles following graduation.
SMART Scholars Receive:
- A cash award paid at a rate of $25,000 - $41,000 per year depending on prior educational experience;
- Full tuition and related education expenses;
- Health insurance reimbursement allowance;
- Book allowance;
- Summer Internships (multi-year participants); and,
- Post-Graduation Career Opportunities.
The SMART Scholarship for Service Program is open only to citizens of the United States. Persons who hold permanent resident status are not eligible. Proof of citizenship is required. Students must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible, and applicants for undergraduate awards must be currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university. Awardees must be eligible to receive and hold a security clearance.
For additional information, as well as detailed information on how to apply, go to: http://smart.asee.org/
Melissa Carl covers public policy-related STEM workforce issues for ASME. She can be reached at: carlm@asme.org
NIST TO HOST WASHINGTON METRO REGION NANOTECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP FORUM
On September 13th, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Federal Laboratory Consortium, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development will co-sponsor a nanotechnology forum on NIST's Gaithersburg, MD, campus. Participating organizations also will include the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, NASA, Cytimmune Sciences, MITRE, The Johns Hopkins University and Lockheed Martin.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet researchers from federal agencies and laboratories, academia and private-sector firms looking for potential partners in nanotechnology and to learn about the unique resources available in the Washington metro region. Presentations and poster sessions will include biomedical nanotechnology applications, advanced materials and manufacturing, and nanoelectronics. Other topics will include commercializing emerging technologies and how to connect with regional resources such as federal labs, universities and private sector firms. In addition, a panel discussion will take place featuring members of the nanotechnology industry.
The registration deadline for U.S. citizens has been extended until Noon, Wednesday, September 8th. The $20 registration fee includes refreshments and lunch. Non-U.S. citizens who wish to attend should contact Cathy Cohn at ccohn@nist.gov or 301.975.6691.
To register and view the agenda, go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/734215057
Robert Rains covers public policy-related NIST issues for ASME. He can be reached at: rainsr@asme.org
DOE EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES TO "ENERGY EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT" RFI
The Department of Energy (DOE) has extended the deadline for receiving responses to its "Energy Education and Workforce Development" Request for Information (RFI) from September 3rd to Friday, September 17th. Released by DOE's technology offices, the RFI is interested in information with which the DOE can gauge the status, prevalence, quality and gaps in energy-relevant education and workplace development efforts. Responses are being sought from energy associations, academic associations, academia, the private sector, non-profits, and others.
Specifically, the RFI seeks information concerning:
- The status (prevalence and quality) of energy systems education and workforce development programs at the K-12, community college, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level (formal & informal education, competitions, etc. included);
- The greatest gaps and deficiencies in energy education and technical training;
- The energy sectors suffering the greatest workforce and professional skills shortage; and,
- The most promising ideas for increasing energy literacy, attracting the best and brightest students into the clean energy field, ensuring America has the well-trained workforce for a transformed energy sector.
Responses should consider the full array of energy technologies including, but not limited to: energy efficiency; renewable energy; energy conservation; smart grid use; low-carbon fossil fuels; smart grid storage; nuclear energy and, other related areas and all levels and types of education.
Additional information on the RFI and the DOE's larger education and workforce development efforts can be found on the "Strengthening America's Energy Future through Education and Workforce Development" Blog post, which is located at: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2010/08/11/strengthening-america%E2%80%99s-energy-future-through-education-and-workforce-development
Robert Rains covers public policy-related energy issues for ASME. He can be reached at: rainsr@asme.org
Melissa Carl covers public policy-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce issues for ASME. She can be reached at: carlm@asme.org
NASA ANNOUNCES HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION FOR FUTURE ENGINEERS
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is challenging high school teams to design software to program small satellites aboard the International Space Station. The competition centers on the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, or SPHERES.
SPHERES are bowling ball-sized spherical satellites used to test maneuvers for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking. Three of these satellites fly inside the station's cabin. Each is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation equipment.
The Zero-Robotics investigation, run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is designed to inspire future scientists and engineers. The teams are asked to address challenges of satellite docking, assembly and flight formation. The 2010 Zero-Robotics Challenge expands on a limited pilot program, which was performed in the fall of 2009. This expanded pilot, called HelioSPHERES, will involve high schools from across the country during the 2010 - 2011 academic year. This new education program builds critical engineering skills for students, such as problem solving, design thought process, operations training, teamwork and presentation skills.
The first 100 high school teams to register by September 10th will be selected for the competition. Their full proposals are due by September 14th. More information and registration instructions are available at http://zerorobotics.mit.edu. Twenty teams selected from the 100 candidates will compete using simulations and ground-based testing at MIT. The software of the top 10 winners will be sent to the station, and an astronaut aboard the orbiting laboratory will program the SPHERES satellites to run the students' tests.
For additional information on NASA and MIT's Zero-Robotics program, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/SPHERES-Zero-Robotics.html
Melissa Carl covers public policy-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce issues for ASME. She can be reached at: carlm@asme.org
THE ARTICLES CONTAINED IN CAPITOL UPDATE ARE NOT POSITIONS OF ASME OR ANY OF ITS SUB-ENTITIES, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY NOTED AS SUCH. THIS PUBLICATION IS DESIGNED TO INFORM ASME MEMBERS ABOUT ISSUES OF CONCERN BEING DEBATED AND DISCUSSED IN THE HALLS OF CONGRESS, IN THE STATES, AND IN THE FEDERAL AGENCIES.
EDITOR: Mary James Legatski, ASME Government Relations, 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 906, Washington, DC 20036-5104.