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SPIN - Science Policy Insider NewsAPA's Science Policy Insider News
December 2004

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The DHS Learning Curve Rounds Up Psychologists

The DHS Scholars and Fellows program, which provides generous support to rising undergraduate juniors and first or second year graduate students, continues to demonstrate appreciation for psychology and other social sciences. Science Policy staff serve in a liaison role between DHS University Program staff and the student community to promote dissemination of program materials and encourage students to apply to the program. In early December, DHS provided data for the most recent round of awards announced in a DHS press release on November 15.

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Senate Confirms New Director of NSF and Psychologist for National Science Board

On November 20th, the Senate confirmed appointments of eight scientists to the National Science Board (NSB), the 24-member independent body designated by Congress to oversee and establish policies for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and provide advice to the President and Congress on science and engineering issues. Prominent among this group is Alan I. Leshner, the first psychologist to serve on the NSB in several decades. Leshner, a Fellow of APA and current Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), will serve through May, 2010. He noted: "I'm delighted by this appointment. NSF is a wonderful agency that serves a vital role in the advancement of science worldwide. I look forward to bringing my training in and perspective from psychology and neuroscience to the National Science Board's important policy discussions."

President Bush’s nominee for Director of NSF, Arden L. Bement, Jr., also received Senate confirmation for a period of six years, during which time he will serve in an ex officio capacity on the NSB. Bement has served as NSF’s Acting Director since February, 2004, while he continued to serve as the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the Department of Commerce (his NSF appointment coincides with official resignation from his position at NIST). Bement, an engineer by training, has had a long career in industry, government and academia. He faces immediate challenges at NSF in terms of resources (one of his stated priorities), particularly in light of funding cuts to the agency in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget up for final congressional approval in the December lame duck session.

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NIH Working Group on Basic Behavioral and Social Science Research Reports at Advisory Committee Meeting

The Advisory Committee of the Director of NIH heard a presentation December 2, 2004, on the recently released draft report of the NIH Working Group on Basic Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. Working Group members Susan Fiske, Robert Levenson, and Bruce McEwen, along with chair Linda Waite, presented the draft report and its recommendations to the NIH Director and his advisory committee. The Working Group was established in 2003 by NIH Director Elias Zerhouni with the charge to review the portfolio of basic behavioral and social science research funded by NIH and to make recommendations on how to strengthen basic research.

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Old Friends Meet New Friends at APA

Science Policy staff hosted two meetings of the Friends of NIDA at APA headquarters during the month of December. The first meeting, on December 6th, brought together representatives from a diverse network of organizations, many of whom had co-sponsored the group's debut event in July, a congressional briefing featuring NIDA Director Nora Volkow as the key presenter, and several new groups energized by NIDA's unenviable position at the bottom of the list of Institute funding increases at NIH for 2005.

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Congress Upholds Support for Peer Review

Congress completed its work on the omnibus appropriations legislation that includes funding for the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A primary concern for APA was the possible inclusion of amendment language approved in the House version of the bill that aimed to restrict funding for two grants funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Both of the grants were behavioral research projects that had been through the peer review process at NIH. While a similar amendment was not adopted in the Senate version of the bill, it was up to the House and Senate members of the conference committee to negotiate the differences between the two versions of the bill. APA staff met with congressional offices throughout the fall to educate members about the importance of this issue and ensure that the language was not included in the final bill.

While recognizing the public health mission of the agency, the final appropriations legislation rejected the Neugebauer amendment language and reaffirmed Congress' support for the National Institutes of the Health (NIH) and the peer review system. The report accompanying the bill states, "The conferees reiterate their support of the two-tiered peer review process used by NIH to judge research grant applications and continue to expect NIH to ensure that its funds are allocated to research that is both scientifically meritorious and has high potential public health impact."

Appropriations 2005:  Where's "The Scream" When You Really Need It?

Most political insiders would agree that the federal appropriations process is more art than science. But when Congress delivered the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 catch-all spending bill, much of the artwork was missing. Funding for many domestic discretionary programs ended up as flat as the wall on which Edvard Munch's most famous painting once hung.

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Science Policy Takes A Holiday at the White House

Science Policy staff recognize the value of taking an occasional break from the rigors of lobbying to celebrate the holiday season. And perhaps nowhere is that holiday spirit more evident here in Washington than in the jolly smiles of the U.S. Secret Service guarding the East Wing of the White House. It was there on December 12 that Director of Science Policy Geoff Mumford spent a lovely Sunday afternoon as the guest of Dr. Susan Brandon, OSTP AD for Social, Behavioral and Educational Sciences, eyeing some impressive old growth forest (indoors no less) adorned with enough lighting to challenge the East Coast power grid. As Susan and I strolled along discussing issues such as the administration's on-going nanotech initiatives, it was clear that no one had briefed the White House Chef, who had constructed a rather elaborate out-sized ginger bread house. But no matter, listening to children caroling or playing in a woodwind ensemble, it was hard not to have a positive outlook for 2005 knowing that APA has such a welcoming colleague and advocate for psychology in this White House. So here's wishing our OSTP friends and our SPIN readers the very best for the Holidays!

View holiday photos

Recruiting Champions for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders on Capitol Hill

Science Policy staff worked along with other Public Policy Office staff, the Government Relations Office in the Practice Directorate, and CEO Norman Anderson to draft a letter urging members of the House of Representatives to join two House Caucuses that we hope will raise the profile of mental health and substance use disorders in what will likely be a very tight budgetary climate during the next congress.

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APA Science Policy Fellowship Applications Due January 3, 2005

Applications are due January 3, 2005 for APA's annual Science Policy Fellowship program. Each year, APA places a psychological scientist in an executive branch research funding/coordinating office. Past Fellows have worked at the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and most recently, the Central Intelligence Agency. In addition to duties as a special assistant in a science mission agency or office, the Fellow attends an orientation program on congressional and executive branch operations and a year-long seminar series on issues involving science and public policy. For more information, see the fellowship webpage and contact Dr. Heather Kelly in APA's Public Policy Office via email or phone at 202.336.5932.

More information about the Science Policy Fellowship program

APA Science Directorate Offers New Summer Fellowships in Counterintelligence Research

The APA Science Directorate and Public Policy Office will offer two new exciting summer research fellowships in 2005, in collaboration with senior psychologists working in the Department of Defense's Counterintelligence Field Activity Office (CIFA). The summer fellowships, open to APA or APAGS members at both the post-doctoral and senior graduate level, will provide opportunities to spend eight weeks at CIFA's headquarters here in the Washington, DC area. Research Fellows will work on topics relevant to countering terrorist activity, reducing "insider threat" and developing counterintelligence threat trend analysis. Stipends for Fellows may range from $8,000-12,000. See the fellowship webpage for application information; applications must be received by Dr. Heather Kelly in APA's Public Policy Office by March 1, 2005.

View application information

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Air Force Research Lab Looking for Senior Scientist

The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command has issued a scientific and professional recruiting announcement seeking a Senior Scientist in the area of cognitive engineering/modeling. Applications must be received by the closing date of February 5th, 2005. The announcement describes the Senior Scientist's role:

"Serves as senior research scientist and independent researcher in the field of cognitive engineering and human systems modeling technology. The incumbent serves to focus research and development efforts associated with cognitive psychology, human factors, perception, and performance, and to strengthen the in-house activities of the laboratory. Conceives, plans, and advocates major research and development activities; interacts and consults with the Director, division chiefs and staff concerning the total research program and results; monitors and guides the quality of scientific and technical resources; and provides expert technical consultation to other Air Force organizations, DOD and government agencies, universities and industry. Position requires an internationally recognized authority in the field of cognitive engineering and modeling technology with the ability to conceive, conduct and lead advanced research and development. The incumbent must make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the field as evidenced by numerous important scientific publications and by citation of the work by others, and by receipt of patents and/or awards."

Additional information on the position requirements and application process [DOC 230K]

Any questions?

If you have any questions regarding SPIN or specific science policy issues, please feel free to contact any of APA’s Science PPO staff.

Geoff Mumford, Ph.D., Director of Science Policy

Pat Kobor, Senior Science Policy Analyst

Heather O'Beirne Kelly, Ph.D., Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer

Karen Studwell, J.D., Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer

Sara Robinson, Legislative Assistant

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