Latest Science News
NSF funding reportedly slowed at major U.S. universities
The National Science Foundation reportedly placed holds on ongoing and new research funding for Duke, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale for nearly two months. Nature and the New York Times later reported that some funds began flowing again after media attention, and many affected proposals were in math, physical sciences, and engineering.
Congress weighs annual defense bill with science implications
U.S. lawmakers are preparing the annual defense bill, which can shape federal research priorities and science spending. The AIP policy roundup highlights this as one of the main science-policy stories driving the U.S. research landscape today.
White House seeks tighter control over grants
The White House is pushing for greater control over federal grants, adding uncertainty to the research funding environment. The AIP summary flags this as a major development affecting how science agencies may distribute support.
NSF launches input process for Tech Accelerators
The NSF issued a request for information on a new Tech Accelerators initiative designed to create investor teams that can fund commercialization of basic research. The initial focus areas are agriculture, materials, ocean technologies, and scientific instrumentation.
DOE fusion office faces leadership change
JP Allain, the inaugural director of DOE’s new Office of Fusion, is leaving the agency after only two months in the role. DOE did not immediately name a successor, raising questions about continuity in federal fusion-energy planning.
NIST renames its AI safety consortium
NIST is renaming its Artificial Intelligence Safety Institution Consortium to the NIST Artificial Intelligence Consortium. The updated mission will emphasize AI measurement, innovation, and adoption, with the agency again inviting organizations to submit letters of interest.
Alleged suspension of Berkeley NSF grants draws attention
Science advocacy group Grant Witness reported that 18 NSF grants at UC Berkeley were quietly suspended in April over alleged nondisclosure of foreign funding. Researchers involved say they never received foreign funding, making the case a notable flashpoint in research-compliance enforcement.
NASA highlights June skywatching events
NASA says June will feature a Venus-Jupiter conjunction, a lunar occultation of Venus, and the start of astronomical summer at the solstice. The agency also notes that Mercury joins the evening lineup mid-month and that deep-sky objects become more visible later in the season.
Venus and Jupiter set for close conjunction
NASA says Venus and Jupiter will appear close together after sunset around June 9, making it one of the month’s easiest naked-eye observing events. The planets remain millions of miles apart physically, but will look strikingly close from Earth’s perspective.
Moon to pass in front of Venus on June 17
NASA says the Moon will pass in front of Venus on June 17 for observers in parts of the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Venezuela. This lunar occultation will briefly hide Venus from view for people in the viewing path.
Astronomical summer begins with June solstice
NASA says the June solstice arrives on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the start of astronomical summer. The agency’s skywatching guide says this month also opens up the Summer Triangle and several deep-sky targets for observers.