One way or another, the work we do as plant biologists has a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants. And whether these impacts are direct or indirect, our research matters. But too often and for far too long the roles of science in society have been obscure, unseen, and unheralded. Let’s do something … Read more
Lewis-Burke Associates LLC – March 24, 2017 On March 16, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research held a hearing to discuss agricultural research programs and priorities: one of a series of hearings to examine all titles of the next farm bill. Witnesses included Dr. Jay Akridge, Dean of the College of Agriculture … Read more
Central to the global scientific and innovation enterprise is the principle of free and open scientific exchange. Researchers need to be able to attend meetings, host international collaborators and educators, and attract the best graduate and postdoctoral trainees and job candidates. On January 27, 2017, the Trump Administration issued an executive order entitled “Protecting the … Read more
Lewis-Burke Associates LLC – January 23, 2017 On January 18, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (Senate EPW) held a confirmation hearing for President Trump’s nominee for Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt. Partisan divisions were apparent from the outset, with Senate EPW Members clashing with … Read more
Lewis-Burke Associates LLC – January 19, 2017 On January 19, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination for Secretary of Energy, former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Although the three-hour hearing concluded without a scheduled vote, it is expected that the Committee will report a favorable recommendation … Read more