Biophysical Society Bulletin | April 2019

Public Affairs

Around theWorld Top European Research Council Official Announces Early Retirement On February 4, Pablor Amor , Director of the European Research Council’s (ERC) Executive Agency, abruptly announced his retirement to staff, citing organizational concerns. Amor was expected to retire, but his announcement moves up his retirement date by a full year. The ERC consists of a governing Scientific Council of 22 members, which sets the scientific direction of the ERC, while an executive agency of some 400 staff controlled by the Commission runs day- to-day grant administration. The ERC expects to award over On February 13, the Australian Academy of Science released a statement in support of the Australian government’s proposal to prioritize funding for critical minerals. The Academy singled out the Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) Grants as a useful mechanism to further research and technology development in support of critical mineral exploration. Global demand is expected to sky rocket for rare minerals like coo- per, gold, and cobalt. “Investments in research and development that will help find these metals will be enormously beneficial to Australia with the potential to create jobs, reduce emissions, and revitalize regional communities,” said Professor Sue O’Reilly, Academy Council Member. Pakistani Government Announces Plans for a Science and Technology Park According to a report in Pakistan Today , the National Univer- sity of Sciences and Technology and the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan announced plans for a science and technology park in Islamabad. The ~$3.6 million project investment is to promote studies and research in science, especially for students unable to access modern facilities at their current places of study. The target completion date for the project is 2020. €94.1 billion to researchers over the next decade. Australian Academy of Science Supports Proposed Government Mineral Investments

According to a recent report in Roll Call , Congressional lead- ers are concerned a budget deal may not even be reached in time to ensure on-time FY 2020 to federal agencies. The report cites growing concerns from outside budget watchers and members of Congress around a lack of deadlines to force Congress’s hand in reaching an agreement. The most obvious mechanism to help reach a deal is the March 2 debt ceiling deadline. In recent history, Congress has been able to reach spending deals around the debt ceiling deadline, as failing to raise the debt limit would wreak havoc on credit markets and the credit ratings of government-issued bonds. However, the Treasury Department believes it will be able to undertake ex- traordinary measures through October to prevent a default on federal debt without Congressional action. This is problematic as the government fiscal year ends on September 30, 2019. The Biophysical Society continues to call on Congress to reach a budget deal and raise the discretionary spending caps. Dra- matic cuts in discretionary spending will disproportionately impact government supported researchers and early career scientists. In conjunction with the NDD United coalition, we will continue to advocate for a speedy budget deal.

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April 2019

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