Tobin L. Smith
@scipolguy.bsky.social
Interested in #scipol #highered #STEMEd #scicomm.
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
"The unnecessary damage being imposed on America’s scientific innovation ecosystem is a disaster for our country and a boon to competitor nations – and especially to China," writes AAU President Barbara R. Snyder.
We’re in a Race with China – and Starting to Fall Behind | Association of American Universities (AAU)
As China picks up speed in the race for scientific and technological advancement, the United States is taking history’s most ill-timed smoke break, writes AAU President Barbara R. Snyder.
www.aau.edu
January 28, 2026 at 8:00 PM
"The unnecessary damage being imposed on America’s scientific innovation ecosystem is a disaster for our country and a boon to competitor nations – and especially to China," writes AAU President Barbara R. Snyder.
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
"We commend lawmakers for their bipartisan commitment to approving a budget that recognizes the indispensable role of science and education in improving the lives of all Americans."
AAU Thanks Congress for Rejecting Cuts to Scientific Research in FY26 Budget | Association of American Universities (AAU)
AAU thanks Congress for rejecting the massive, administration-proposed cuts to key scientific research agencies, as well as the remaining FY26 spending bills it is likely to consider later this week.
www.aau.edu
February 3, 2026 at 3:01 PM
"We commend lawmakers for their bipartisan commitment to approving a budget that recognizes the indispensable role of science and education in improving the lives of all Americans."
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
"We thank Congress … for ensuring continued support for all the costs associated with advancing American science, and for continuing to engage with the JAG on the FAIR model."
Joint Associations Group Thanks Congress for Strong Support of Scientific Research Funding and Infrastructure in Final FY26 Appropriations | Association of American Universities (AAU)
The Joint Associations Group (JAG) thanks Congress for its support of funding scientific research and infrastructure in the final FY26 appropriations, along with the inclusion of language in the bill that helps advance JAG's FAIR model recommendations.
www.aau.edu
February 4, 2026 at 5:31 PM
"We thank Congress … for ensuring continued support for all the costs associated with advancing American science, and for continuing to engage with the JAG on the FAIR model."
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
Curious to know more about the role of science in federal policy-making? Apply to attend the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy for Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop in Washington, D.C., April 12-15, 2026: myumi.ch/Mkd1e
Application deadline: 2/16 by 9 am EST
#UMich #GradSchool #STEM #SciPol
Application deadline: 2/16 by 9 am EST
#UMich #GradSchool #STEM #SciPol
January 31, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Curious to know more about the role of science in federal policy-making? Apply to attend the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy for Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop in Washington, D.C., April 12-15, 2026: myumi.ch/Mkd1e
Application deadline: 2/16 by 9 am EST
#UMich #GradSchool #STEM #SciPol
Application deadline: 2/16 by 9 am EST
#UMich #GradSchool #STEM #SciPol
1/7 As this recent video by Dr. Steven Kahn, Dean, Mathematics & Physical Sciences at @UCBerkeley points out, curiosity-driven basic research has a long track record of leading to breakthroughs no one could have predicted.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8GTAd9EU2Q
What is 'basic science'? The case for funding curiosity-driven research in 101 seconds | 101 in 101
YouTube video by UC Berkeley
www.youtube.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:11 PM
1/7 As this recent video by Dr. Steven Kahn, Dean, Mathematics & Physical Sciences at @UCBerkeley points out, curiosity-driven basic research has a long track record of leading to breakthroughs no one could have predicted.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8GTAd9EU2Q
‘Shattered’: US scientists speak out about how Trump policies disrupted their careers via @Nature www.nature.com/articles/d41...
‘Shattered’: US scientists speak out about how Trump policies disrupted their careers
Researchers lay bare the human toll of lay-offs, funding cuts and attacks on science one year after the president’s return to the White House.
www.nature.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:21 AM
‘Shattered’: US scientists speak out about how Trump policies disrupted their careers via @Nature www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Universities now invest $30B+ of their own resources in academic research—more than industry, non‑profits, and state/local governments contribute combined. @AAUniversities Graham Andrews details the trend here: www.aau.edu/newsroom/lea...
University Investments in Research Continue to Grow, According to New Data | Association of American Universities (AAU)
The latest release of the Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey by the National Science Foundation shows that colleges and universities significantly increased their own support for ...
www.aau.edu
January 17, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Universities now invest $30B+ of their own resources in academic research—more than industry, non‑profits, and state/local governments contribute combined. @AAUniversities Graham Andrews details the trend here: www.aau.edu/newsroom/lea...
Trump’s college agenda may have a lasting impact on research, culture
Trump’s college agenda may have a lasting impact on research, culture
Trump has altered the government’s relationship with higher education in ways that will be difficult to undo. Some schools say a change was needed.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Trump’s college agenda may have a lasting impact on research, culture
Congress Is Reversing Trump’s Steep Budget Cuts to Science #SciPol www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/s...
Congress Is Reversing Trump’s Steep Budget Cuts to Science
www.nytimes.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Congress Is Reversing Trump’s Steep Budget Cuts to Science #SciPol www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/s...
Bipartisan law renews funding for USGS Great Lakes Science Center #SciPol www.manisteenews.com/news/article...
Bipartisan law signed by Trump renews funding for Great Lakes Science Center
A bipartisan bill introduced by Gary Peters was signed into law and will fund the Great Lakes Science Center for the next five years.
www.manisteenews.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Bipartisan law renews funding for USGS Great Lakes Science Center #SciPol www.manisteenews.com/news/article...
Trump cuts to academia risk ceding AI lead, warns Microsoft scientist #ScPol www.ft.com/content/3cf9...
Trump cuts to academia risk ceding AI lead, warns Microsoft scientist
Veteran executive Eric Horvitz argues talent and ideas will move abroad without US support for universities
www.ft.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:34 AM
Trump cuts to academia risk ceding AI lead, warns Microsoft scientist #ScPol www.ft.com/content/3cf9...
Trump Administration Cannot Slash NIH Research Funding, Court Rules #SciPol www.reuters.com/world/trump-...
Trump administration cannot slash NIH research funding, court rules
District Judge Angel Kelley last year blocked the cuts, and on Monday the appeals court agreed.
www.reuters.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:27 AM
Trump Administration Cannot Slash NIH Research Funding, Court Rules #SciPol www.reuters.com/world/trump-...
House ans Senate Lawmakers Ignore Requestedr Trump Cuts at Key Science Agencies #SciPol fedscoop.com/house-senate...
House, Senate lawmakers ignore requested Trump cuts at key science agencies
Congressional appropriators tossed aside the Trump administration’s requested cuts at NOAA, NIST, NSF and NASA in fiscal year 2026 funding bills released Monday.
fedscoop.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:11 AM
House ans Senate Lawmakers Ignore Requestedr Trump Cuts at Key Science Agencies #SciPol fedscoop.com/house-senate...
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
A @notredame.bsky.social football game led to a partnership between a researcher and a pharmaceutical executive. Together, they hope to bring an allergen inhibitor to market to help people with severe peanut allergies.
From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment | Association of American Universities (AAU)
Twelve-year-old Lauren Eglite was thrilled to attend a Notre Dame football game with her father, Erik, in 2017, even though her acute peanut allergy demands constant vigilance.
www.aau.edu
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
A @notredame.bsky.social football game led to a partnership between a researcher and a pharmaceutical executive. Together, they hope to bring an allergen inhibitor to market to help people with severe peanut allergies.
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
🚨 The Senate votes 52-48 to overturn President Trump's 50 percent tariffs on Brazil. 5 GOP Senators break ranks to vote against Trump: Collins ME, McConnell KY, Murkowski AK, Paul KY, and Tillis NC.
October 28, 2025 at 10:59 PM
🚨 The Senate votes 52-48 to overturn President Trump's 50 percent tariffs on Brazil. 5 GOP Senators break ranks to vote against Trump: Collins ME, McConnell KY, Murkowski AK, Paul KY, and Tillis NC.
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
Congratulations to University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod, who has been elected as chair of the AAU Board of Directors, and to Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels, who has been elected vice chair.
AAU Elects University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod as Next Chair | Association of American Universities (AAU)
AAU's member presidents and chancellors elected University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod today as chair of the AAU Board of Directors.
www.aau.edu
October 28, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Congratulations to University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod, who has been elected as chair of the AAU Board of Directors, and to Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels, who has been elected vice chair.
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
Did you know drugs like Ozempic, Keytruda, and Lyrica were all developed from federally-funded research at universities?
Learn more about how federal support for university research is necessary for the health of all Americans:
Learn more about how federal support for university research is necessary for the health of all Americans:
Trump slashed funding for universities that helped create these vital drugs
Medications that prevent HIV, shrink tumors and treat seizures were invented with government funding. At research universities, that money is now canceled or in jeopardy.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Did you know drugs like Ozempic, Keytruda, and Lyrica were all developed from federally-funded research at universities?
Learn more about how federal support for university research is necessary for the health of all Americans:
Learn more about how federal support for university research is necessary for the health of all Americans:
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder and Sr. VP for Government Relations and Public Policy @scipolguy.bsky.social spoke to Issues in Science and Technology about the creation of the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model. Read more:
Three Months on the Way to FAIR
When NIH announced caps on indirect costs, the Joint Associations Group (JAG) developed a new FAIR model for handling F&A costs.
issues.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder and Sr. VP for Government Relations and Public Policy @scipolguy.bsky.social spoke to Issues in Science and Technology about the creation of the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model. Read more:
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
"The longer the shutdown goes, the more impact it may have on actually being able to fund the research," said AAU's @scipolguy.bsky.social.
In Fourth Week, Federal Shutdown Increasingly Hinders Higher Ed
Georgia Tech says it’s cutting expenses to “preserve cash,” the University of Hawaiʻi system is paying federally funded workers $20 million every two weeks and a N.J. community college says a solar energy training program is in jeopardy.
www.insidehighered.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
"The longer the shutdown goes, the more impact it may have on actually being able to fund the research," said AAU's @scipolguy.bsky.social.
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
AAU has joined a suit, originally filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, contesting the $100,000 H-1B visa petition fee. Read AAU President Barbara R. Snyder's statement:
Statement of AAU President Barbara R. Snyder on the Association’s Legal Filing Challenging the $100,000 H-1B Visa Petition Fee | Association of American Universities (AAU)
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder announces AAU will join lawsuit originally filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce seeking to enjoin the implementation of the proclamation requiring the $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions.
www.aau.edu
October 24, 2025 at 11:54 PM
AAU has joined a suit, originally filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, contesting the $100,000 H-1B visa petition fee. Read AAU President Barbara R. Snyder's statement:
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
Read AAU President Barbara R. Snyder's statement on the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education": www.aau.edu/newsroom/pre...
October 10, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Read AAU President Barbara R. Snyder's statement on the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education": www.aau.edu/newsroom/pre...
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
Sign up for the free Leading Research Universities Report: www.aau.edu/newsroom/new...
October 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Sign up for the free Leading Research Universities Report: www.aau.edu/newsroom/new...
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
A government shutdown would disrupt critical research and higher education funding. Read AAU President Barbara R. Snyder's statement calling on Congress and the president to find a responsible way to keep the government running:
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder Calls on Congress and the President to Keep the Government Running and Preserve Critical Research and Higher Education Funding | Association of American Universities (AAU)
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder urges Congress and the President to find a responsible way to ensure that the government remains open and averts a shutdown.
www.aau.edu
September 29, 2025 at 3:45 PM
A government shutdown would disrupt critical research and higher education funding. Read AAU President Barbara R. Snyder's statement calling on Congress and the president to find a responsible way to keep the government running:
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
On September 15th, Business for Federal Research Funding, a coalition of chambers of commerce representing employers in 35 states, expressed their support for robust R&D funding for FY26. Read the letter:
researchfunding.org
September 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
On September 15th, Business for Federal Research Funding, a coalition of chambers of commerce representing employers in 35 states, expressed their support for robust R&D funding for FY26. Read the letter:
Reposted by Tobin L. Smith
"[The Golden Goose awardees’] stories are great examples of how federal funding for fundamental research pays off," said AAU President Barbara R. Snyder:
Golden Goose Award Honors Joseph Gall, the Father of Modern Cell Biology
Joseph Gall was posthumously recognized for the societal impacts of his basic research in molecular biology, guided by his profound love of nature.
www.the-scientist.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM
"[The Golden Goose awardees’] stories are great examples of how federal funding for fundamental research pays off," said AAU President Barbara R. Snyder: