The National Institutes of Health seeks applicants for $200 million in grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for large-scale research projects that are likely to spur growth and investment in biomedical research, public health and health care delivery. Funding priorities include research on information technology that lets physicians share radiological images across health care organizations to reduce health care costs and improve decision-making. Applications are due by May 27.
News and updates
National Science Board Recommends Comprehensive Federal Strategy to Transform U.S. Energy Economy
National Science Foundation Press Release, April 14, 2009
The National Science Board (NSB) today released a draft report, “Building a Sustainable Energy Future,” for public review and comment. The report calls on the nation to lead the fundamental transformation of the current energy economy from one that is dependent on fossil fuel to one that thrives on sustainable and clean energy. The NSB collaborated with colleagues and stakeholders throughout the federal, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors to address the challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy in the 21st century. The NSB recommends that the U.S. government develop and lead a nationally coordinated research, development demonstration, deployment, and education strategy to advance a sustainable energy economy that is significantly less carbon-intensive.
AAU Provides Briefing Papers on Tax Issues Impacting Universities
Several background papers on tax issues of interest to research universities have been completed and are available on the Association of American Universities (AAU) website. Three new documents address charitable giving, Section 127 employer-provided educational benefits, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
The documents were developed through the AAU tax issues task force, with assistance from AAU counsel and AAU’s general counsel group.
President Obama Creates White House Office on Health Reform
On April 8th, President Obama issued an Executive Order establishing a White House Office of Health Reform. The new office will provide leadership to the executive branch on federal health reform efforts. Nancy-Ann DeParle, who ran the Health Care Financing Administration under President Clinton, will direct the new office. The order also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Health Reform, which will work in collaboration with the White House office.
OMB Updates Guidance to Federal Agencies on Recovery Act Funding
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has published an updated guidance on the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for federal agency and department heads. This guidance is an update of the initial OMB guidance issued on the ARRA on February 18.