National Science Board to meet virtually
May 5 - 6, 2020

April 28, 2020

The National Science Board (NSB, Board) will meet virtually May 5 - 6, 2020 to address science and engineering policy issues relevant to the National Science Foundation (NSF). The public meeting agenda is available here. 

Members of the media and the public are invited to watch open sessions which will be livestreamed via YouTube.

Please note that the livestream links will be different each day. On May 5, please use this link and on May 6, this link. 

If you encounter technical problems, please contact Angel Ntumy (antumy@associates.nsf.gov) or Phillip Moulden (pmoulden@associates.nsf.gov)

All sessions are open on Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Livestream YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/0Wu1pi6fDYc

NSB Plenary (11:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.)

The Board will welcome Acting NSF Director Kelvin Droegemeier to his new role, NSB will unveil its new Vision 2030 report, and NSF will highlight the agency’s response to COVID-19.    

Committee on External Engagement (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)

Members will discuss the NSB Alumni listserv and Science and Engineering Indicators engagement activities. Focus of the committee’s agenda will be discussion of engagement plans on NSB’s Vision 2030 report. 

Committee on National Science and Engineering Policy (2:30 – 3:45 p.m.)

The agenda will feature updates on the end of the 2020 Indicators cycle and the start of the 2022 cycle. It will also include an overview of the recent Science and Engineering Policy retreat and a discussion to prioritize new policy products drawn from Indicators 2020.

Task Force on Vision 2030 (4:00 – 4:45 p.m.)

Discussion will focus on implementation of and next steps for NSB’s Vision 2030. 

Committee on Strategy (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)

NSF’s Budget Office will provide updates and the Office of Polar Programs will discuss America’s geopolitical role in the polar regions.

Open meeting sessions on Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Livestream YouTube link: https://youtu.be/agxFF9JB5pM

Committee on Oversight (11:00 – 11:45 a.m.)

The Office of the Inspector General will brief the NSB on audit and investigative activities and the agency’s Chief Financial Officer will provide a budget update to the Board.  

Committee on Awards and Facilities (11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.)

The agenda includes a briefing on impacts of COVID-19 on NSF-funded Research Infrastructure and discussion of a written update on the operations of the Ocean Observatories Initiative.  

National Science Board Plenary (3:45 – 4:35 p.m.)

The Board will vote on the Executive Committee’s Annual Report and NSF Chief Operating Officer Fleming Crim will provide staff updates. NSB will also say farewell to outgoing Board members (the 2014 – 2020 cohort).

Closed Sessions 

The Committee on Awards and Facilities will receive an action item for the Mid-scale Research Infrastructure Track 2 Portfolio and a Context Item from the Division of Astronomical Sciences to prepare for a renewal award action for the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory.

The Committee on Strategy will hear budget updates from NSF’s Budget Office. 

During a closed Plenary session, the Board will vote on the Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure Track 2 Portfolio award and hear remarks from Acting NSF Director Kelvin Droegemeier.

During a closed Plenary Executive session, the Board will hear senior personnel updates from Acting Director Droegemeier and will discuss candidates for the NSF Deputy Director position. NSB will also elect a new Board Chair and Vice Chair.

About the National Science Board

The National Science Foundation consists of the National Science Board and the NSF Director. Jointly the Board and the Director pursue the goals and function of the agency. NSB identifies issues critical to NSF's future and establishes the agency’s policies within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President and the Congress. The NSB also serves as an independent body of advisors to both the President and the Congress on policy matters related to science and engineering and education in science and engineering. The President appoints NSB’s 24 members for staggered six-year terms, selected for their eminence in research, education and records of distinguished service.

Media Contact:  Nadine Lymn at (703) 292-2490 or nlymn@nsf.gov

Useful NSB Web Sites:

Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb
Media Contact: http://www.nsf.gov/staff/staff_bio.jsp?lan=nlymn&org=NSF
News: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/news
Meetings: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/meetings
Publications: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/publications
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Twitter: Twitter: https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=NSF_NSB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkrHRzuGSrPp2haQs0T_Pww