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Online

NASA scrambles to find “viable” path for Mars Sample Return

William Thomas
Published: November 2023
Abstract
Changes are afoot for the planned flagship mission, which is facing billions of dollars in unanticipated costs, years of delays, and a threat of cancellation from Congress.
View Online titled, NASA scrambles to find “viable” path for Mars Sample Return
Online

Concerns grow over Mars Sample Return mission

William Thomas
Published: May 2023
Abstract
With NASA’s cost estimates rising, criticism is building in the scientific community and among members of Congress that the mission is siphoning money from other projects.
View Online titled, Concerns grow over Mars Sample Return mission
Online

Study sounds alarm on decaying NIST facilities

William Thomas
Published: February 2023
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
A new National Academies report endorses a plan to more than triple the agency’s current construction and maintenance budget.
View Online titled, Study sounds alarm on decaying NIST facilities
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DOE puts Inflation Reduction Act funds to work

William Thomas and Andrea Peterson
Published: December 2022
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
In allocating more than $1.5 billion, the agency prioritized shoring up funding for international projects and moving forward upgrades to light sources.
View Online titled, DOE puts Inflation Reduction Act funds to work
Magazine Articles

Commentary: Elitism in physics: What happens when the profession’s cultural scaffolding comes down?

William Thomas
Physics Today 75 (9), 10–11 (2022);
https://doi.org/10.1063/PT.3.5072
Published: September 2022
View articletitled, Commentary: Elitism in physics: What happens when the profession’s cultural scaffolding comes down?
Open the PDF for Commentary: Elitism in physics: What happens when the profession’s cultural scaffolding comes down? in another window
Online

New climate law also promises boost for science projects

William Thomas
Published: August 2022
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
Following a year of negotiation, the partisan legislation will deliver the largest-ever federal response to climate change and provide additional funding for numerous Department of Energy science initiatives.
View Online titled, New climate law also promises boost for science projects
Online

CHIPS and Science Act heads to Biden’s desk

Mitch Ambrose and William Thomas
Published: July 2022
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
The historic legislation provides more than $50 billion to the semiconductor sector and lays out ambitious expansion plans for some federal science agencies.
View Online titled, CHIPS and Science Act heads to Biden’s desk
Online

Biden picks former NIST and DARPA head Arati Prabhakar as science adviser

William Thomas
Published: June 2022
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
The nominee to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has focused on applications-oriented R&D and is an ardent advocate for applying the Advanced Research Projects Agency model to national problems.
View Online titled, Biden picks former NIST and DARPA head Arati Prabhakar as science adviser
Online

Science adviser Eric Lander resigns over verbal abuse of staff

William Thomas
Published: February 2022
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
The US’s top science official submitted his resignation after subordinates went public with their complaints that he had created an atmosphere of intimidation.
View Online titled, Science adviser Eric Lander resigns over verbal abuse of staff
Online

US high-energy physics faces compounding budget tensions

William Thomas
Published: November 2021
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
Despite officials’ desire to strengthen support for core research and accelerator and detector R&D, much of DOE’s high-energy physics program funding has been spent on large projects, including the LBNF/DUNE neutrino experiment.
View Online titled, US high-energy physics faces compounding budget tensions
Online

Radiation incident at NIST reactor is linked to staff turnover

William Thomas
Published: October 2021
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
An agency report concludes that the February accident at the research reactor can be traced to mistakes made by NIST staff, which has suffered a loss of experience in the last several years.
View Online titled, Radiation incident at NIST reactor is linked to staff turnover
Online

Biden rounds out appointments to top science positions

William Thomas
Published: September 2021
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
Although many of the administration’s nominees are in place, several key positions remain unfilled.
View Online titled, Biden rounds out appointments to top science positions
Online

President-elect Biden’s next steps in science policy

William Thomas
Published: November 2020
TOPICS: Politics & Policy, Covid-19
Abstract
In the weeks ahead, Joe Biden and his transition team will settle on selections for executive branch science-policy positions and lay the groundwork for tackling pressing issues at science agencies.
View Online titled, President-elect Biden’s next steps in science policy
Online

Trump restarts science and technology advisory council

William Thomas and Mitch Ambrose
Published: October 2019
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
The first appointees have substantial experience in industrial research, artificial intelligence, and quantum information science.
View Online titled, Trump restarts science and technology advisory council
Online

DOE bars its researchers from participating in rival nations’ talent programs

William Thomas
Published: June 2019
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
The policy is one of several federal government efforts to stem exploitation of US research.
View Online titled, DOE bars its researchers from participating in rival nations’ talent programs
Online

Materials research decadal survey falls flat with NSF

William Thomas, Adria Schwarber, and David Kramer
Published: May 2019
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
Though a sponsor of the guiding document is unhappy with the final product, the authors say they accomplished what was asked of them.
View Online titled, Materials research decadal survey falls flat with NSF
Online

A profile of John Trump, Donald’s oft-mentioned scientist uncle

William Thomas
Published: October 2018
TOPICS: People & History
Abstract
The president’s uncle was an MIT physicist and engineer who made his mark in the development of high-voltage generators, World War II radar, and cancer therapies.
View Online titled, A profile of John Trump, Donald’s oft-mentioned scientist uncle
Online

NASA urged to stay on course by planetary science review panel

William Thomas
Published: August 2018
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
National Academies experts warn against rushing into two initiatives pushed by Congress.
View Online titled, NASA urged to stay on course by planetary science review panel
Online

Policy-fluent meteorologist is Trump's nominee to lead OSTP

Mitch Ambrose, William Thomas, and Alexis Wolfe
Published: August 2018
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
Kelvin Droegemeier has long-standing ties to NSF and is a frequent adviser to Congress. His specific role within the administration is to be determined.
View Online titled, Policy-fluent meteorologist is Trump's nominee to lead OSTP
Online

NASA nominee’s vision for the agency downplays science

William Thomas
Published: September 2017
TOPICS: Politics & Policy
Abstract
Jim Bridenstine’s recent bill prioritizes human exploration over “knowledge of the Earth and of phenomena in the atmosphere and space.”
View Online titled, NASA nominee’s vision for the agency downplays science