Media Advisory

National Science Board to meet virtually July 29 - 30, 2020

Highlights include an overview of NSF HBCU programs and a panel discussion on Black experiences in S&E

Black Female Scientist in Lab

Addressing the "Missing Millions" in STEM is crucial for the US S&E enterprise. (Credit and Larger Version)

July 23, 2020

The National Science Board (NSB) will meet virtually July 29 - 30, 2020 to address science and engineering policy issues relevant to the National Science Foundation (NSF). The public meeting agenda is available here.

Open meeting sessions will be livestreamed via YouTube. Links for each meeting day are below.  For technical problems, contact Angel Ntumy (antumy@associates.nsf.gov) or Phillip Moulden (pmoulden@associates.nsf.gov).

 

WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2020

Livestream YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/3CXXjWbwsYE

VPN or VDI must be disconnected to access

 

NSB Plenary (11:00 a.m. – 1:35 p.m.)

New NSB members will take the oath of office, the Board will welcome NSF’s new director, Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, and NSB’s Vision 2030 Implementation Working Group will give an update on its activities. 

Following up on the Board’s June 2020 Statement on Racism in Science and Engineering, the session will then turn to an overview of NSF HBCU programs, followed by a panel discussion of Black experiences in science and engineering (S&E). Panelists will address barriers to entry, retention, and advancement for Black people in S&E, from the laboratory to the boardroom and offer recommendations to make the U.S. research enterprise an attractive and welcoming environment for Black people. NSB Vice Chair Victor McCrary will moderate the session featuring panelists William Jackson (Distinguished Research and Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, UC-Davis), Stephon Alexander (Professor of Physics, Brown University and President of the National Society of Black Physicists), Stephani Page (Community Engagement Manager, ADVANCE Resource and Coordination Network), Kelly Mack (VP for Undergraduate STEM Education and Executive Director of Project Kaleidoscope, Association of American Colleges and Universities), and Eugene Deloatch (Dean Emeritus of Engineering, Morgan State University).  

Committee on External Engagement (1:35 – 2:15 p.m.)

The Committee will discuss initiatives to engage with partners on Vision Roadmap actions and to highlight the urgency to act on addressing underrepresentation in STEM—the “Missing Millions.” Also on the agenda: an update on engagement tools and the call for the 2021 NSB Honorary Awards nominations.

Committee on Oversight (2:45 – 4:05 p.m.)

Members will vote on NSF’s 2019 Merit Review Digest and discuss broader impacts as they relate to the agency’s merit review process. The agenda also includes updates from the Office of the Inspector General and a briefing from NSF’s Chief Financial Officer about Enterprise Risk Management.

Committee on Science and Engineering Policy (4:15 – 5:05 p.m.)

The Committee will hear about the start of the 2022 cycle for Science and Engineering Indicators, receive an update on impacts of COVID-19 on S&E data collection and availability, and discuss and approve priority topics for SEP’s policy work over the next 12 months.

Committee on Strategy (5:15 – 6:45 p.m.)

Agenda items include two presentations, one on NSF’s investments in the Skilled Technical Workforce and one on NSF’s role in spectrum management. An update on NSF’s fiscal year 2020 and 2021 appropriations is also on the agenda.  

 

THURSDAY, July 30, 2020

Livestream YouTube link: https://youtu.be/rjs0ny0zgR4

VPN or VDI must be disconnected to access

 

Committee on Awards and Facilities (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

The implications of COVID-19 for Polar Science operations in 2020 and 2021 and an update on the Operations and Management of the National Center for Atmospheric Research are on the agenda.

National Science Board Plenary (3:30 – 4:00 p.m.)

NSF Director Panchanathan will provide updates and Board members will vote on the NSB Calendar Year 2021 Schedule and the 2019 Merit Review Digest.

Closed Sessions

The Committee on Awards and Facilities will consider a two-year Operations & Management renewal award for the Mid-scale Observatories, Data Center, and NOIRLab Directorate components of the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. NSF’s Chief Officer for Research Infrastructure will brief members on the impacts of COVID-19 on major facility construction. Members will also receive a mid-award update on the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and will discuss the Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey.

The Committee on Strategy will discuss the development of NSF’s FY 2022 Budget Submission to the Office of Management and Budget.

During the closed Plenary session, the Board will vote on the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory and hear remarks from NSF Director Panchanathan.

In the closed Plenary Executive session, members will certify an NSB member award and Director Panchanathan will give senior personnel updates.

 

About the National Science Board

The NSB and NSF’s Director jointly head the agency. The Board identifies issues critical to NSF's future and establishes its policies. The NSB also provides the President and Congress with Science and Engineering Indicators, a biennial report on U.S. progress in science and technology. Members are appointed by the President for six-year terms and are selected for their eminence in research, education and records of distinguished service.

 

Media Contact: Nadine Lymn, National Science Board, (703) 292-2490, nlymn@nsf.gov


The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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