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Eye On Washington Newsletter - 31 Dec.
The House Science Committee Agenda for the 111th Congress, Obama’s Radio Address on the Role of Science, lastest S&T appointments, S&T and the economic stimulus package, latest TIMSS’ math/science scores, nanotechnology safety, IEEE-USA Government Fellowships, and more.   current

President Obama's Address on the Role of Science
In his Dec. 21 radio address, President-Elect Obama introduces his new science and technology team, and discusses the importance of science and innovation to the future of our country.   more

NIST Seeks White Papers on Critical National Needs
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is requesting detailed pitches for critical national and societal needs that could be the basis for new competitions for research funding under its Technology Innovation Program (TIP).
  more

NRC Report Questions Adequacy of
Plans to Ensure Nanotech Safety

The National Academies newly released report found serious weaknesses in the government's plan for research on the potential health and environmental risks posed by nanomaterials, which are increasingly being used in consumer goods and industry. 
more

Holdren Expected to Be Named Science Advisor
The Washington Post and other sources are reporting that President Obama will name engineer/physicist John P. Holdren as the Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and director of the President's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).  A member of the National Academies, a former President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Director of the Program on Science, Technology, and Public Policy at the Kennedy School at Harvard, Holdren is a noted expert on energy and climate.  more

BLS Report Assesses Careers in Energy
A newly released report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics concludes that the size of the electric power industry workforce is likely to decline by 2016, but that many new opportunities will be available due to the Baby Boomer retirements.  Areas where demand will be especially high include both nuclear power and renewable energy jobs. more

IEEE-USA Webinar: Engineers and Public Policy
IEEE-USA continues its free webinar series through the end of the year with Engineers and Public Policy (4 Dec.). more

The Importance of Defense Research:
The Science of Victory

IEEE-USA Releases New Position Statements
The IEEE-USA Board of Directors approved the following new IEEE-USA position statements at their November meeting:

Obama Names S&T Transition Team
President-Elect Barack Obama has named the team leads who will assist the Administration's transition at key federal departments and agencies including NASA, NSF and FCC.  more

OECD Releases 2008 Science Outlook
The  Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) has released its Science, Technology and Industry Outlook for 2008, which finds that member nation spending on research is slowing and the distribution is changing, with emerging economies seeing big jumps in R&D spending.
more

America COMPETES Funding Shortfalls Outlined
A new report from the Congressional Research Service to Congress compares the President's FY2009 budget request and current Congressional appropriations for key S&T programs with the funding levels authorized in the 2007 America COMPETES Act.

Calls for Papers for IEEE-USA Sponsored Conferences
Papers addressing policy and social implications of technology are encouraged:

DHS Releases H-1B Fraud and Compliance Assessment
The Department of Homeland Security has released a long-awaited assessment of H-1B visa fraud, which concluded 21% of H-1b visa petitions involve some degree of fraud or technical violation, with fraud rates higher for petitions involving bachelor's level jobs. more

Peha Named Chief Technologist to FCC
Dr. Jon Peha of Carnegie Mellon University, an IEEE member and former IEEE-USA Congressional Fellow, has been named Chief Technologist of the Federal Communications Commission. more

Hearing Looks at Cell Phone Usage and Tumor Concerns
On Sept. 23, the House Oversight Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing to explore the topic of tumors and long term cell phone usage.
   more

House Resolution Recognizes 50th Anniversary
of Integrated Circuit
On Sept. 22, the House of Representatives approved H. Res. 1471, which honors the 50th anniversary of the successful demonstration of the first integrated circuit and its subsequent impact on the electronics industry.  In floor comments, Rep.  Ralph Hall (R-TX) said: “On September 12th, 1958, in a Dallas lab of Texas Instruments, Jack St. Clair Kilby gathered a small group of coworkers to unveil a stunning achievement. ....This breakthrough, the integrated circuit, has revolutionized the world. Jack Kilby’s work, as well as fellow integrated circuit pioneers Geoffrey Dummer and Robert Noyce, heralded the beginning of an all encompassing transformation of modern society. Their work paved the way for the modern electronics industry. Electronic devices that once required a small building and teams of engineers working round the clock, now fit neatly in a pocket."

National Academy Offers Recommendations on S&T Appointments for the New Administration
Recognizing the increasing importance of S&T to many of the critical challenges facing the nation, the National Academy of Engineers has released a report making recommendations to the new Administration urging rapid appointment of key S&T positions within the government, along with other steps designed to improve the process and ensure candidates have the requisite knowledge and experience. 
  more

IEEE-USA President's Column: Silver Tsunami Set to Hit U.S. Aerospace and Defense Workforce
When the first baby boomers began to apply for Social Security benefits in late 2007, some people referred to it as the leading edge of a "silver tsunami" that could overwhelm the Social Security system. A similar tidal wave is set to strike the U.S. aerospace and defense work force. more

Accelerating Innovation in Biosciences
IEEE-USA is co-sponsor of "Accelerating Innovation in 21st Century Biosciences: Identifying the Measurement, Standards and Technological Challenges," a conference to be held at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), on 19-22 Oct. 2008. Space is limited and the registration deadline is 10 Oct.  The conference is hosted by the NIST and the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI). more issue

High-Tech Innovations Essential To Improve
Cost and Quality of Health Care

The United States should develop a comprehensive strategy on the growing need for technological innovations to help prevent the impending economic crisis in health care and to improve the quality and convenience of care, according to a report from the 2007 conference "Economic Strategy for Health Care through Standards and Technologies," convened by the Biotechnology Council and NIST with support from IEEE-USA.
     more

NAE Proposes Key Messages to Improve
Public Awareness of Engineering

A recent study by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) recommends communications messages designed to improve the public's understanding of engineering, as well as encourage young people to consider engineering careers.  IEEE's 2007 President Leah Jamieson participated in the Academy study.    more

Science Committee Report Looks at Globalization
of R&D, Likely Consequences, and Policy Options

Summarizing a series of hearings held in 2007 to explore the competitiveness and high-tech workforce implications of the increaseing globalization of R&D, including the shift in private sector R&D funding overseas. 
  more

Silicon Valley Engineer Testifies before Congress on Need to Retain Talented High-Tech Students and Professionals
Congress should make it easier for foreign graduate students and engineers to remain in the United States, Silicon Valley engineer and entrepreneur Lee Colby told a congressional subcommittee at a 12 June hearing on Capitol Hill.
more

Alexander Proposes "Manhattan Project" For Clean Energy
In a May 9th address at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Senator Lamar Alexander proposed  “launching a 5-year New Manhattan Project to put America firmly on the path to clean energy independence within a generation.”  more

Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill Signed Into Law
Final Congressional passage and President signature of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) marks an important step toward obtaining federal protections against the misuse of genetic information. IEEE-USA joined with over 300 organizations comprising the Genetic Alliance to help encourage passage of this legislation. 
  more

Maryland Repeals Computer Services Tax
As its 2008 legislative session came to a close, the Maryland legislature repealed a state-wide tax on computer services before it could take effect.  IEEE-USA supported efforts by Maryland members to advocate in favor of the repeal, including testimony by IEEE Region 2 Director John Dentler before the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee.    more

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Updated:  05 January 2009
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