Heather B, PhD
@heatherburkin.bsky.social
Associate Professor,
Personal account
Personal account
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Quite the set of leading questions, isn’t it? “Please help us justify that which we already plan to do, I.e. break academic research in what will be a failed effort to make progress “efficient”. Which it never is.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is seeking input on Federal policy updates to accelerate the American scientific enterprise.
This is your chance to give some feedback on how the past ~10 months have gone for science.
www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
I plan to highlight:
This is your chance to give some feedback on how the past ~10 months have gone for science.
www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
I plan to highlight:
Notice of Request for Information; Accelerating the American Scientific Enterprise
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) requests input from all interested parties on Federal policy updates that aim to accelerate the American scientific enterprise, enable groundbreaking...
www.federalregister.gov
December 4, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Quite the set of leading questions, isn’t it? “Please help us justify that which we already plan to do, I.e. break academic research in what will be a failed effort to make progress “efficient”. Which it never is.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
This is really important. Both in the fact of IMLS reinstating grants. (Which have been *crucial* for libraries and civic life across the country. Notably in rural areas.)
And in the example that the overall stalwartness and rigor of federal district/circuit courts has made a huge difference.
And in the example that the overall stalwartness and rigor of federal district/circuit courts has made a huge difference.
IMLS announces "upon further review" that it is reinstating all federal grants to libraries. It leaves out that it's doing this because a federal court told them a few weeks ago that the Trump admin's decision to destroy libraries was not legal.
www.imls.gov/news/stateme...
www.imls.gov/news/stateme...
Statement of Agency’s Reinstatement of Terminated IMLS Grants
Statement of Agency’s Reinstatement of Terminated IMLS Grants Washington, DC– Upon further review, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has reinstated all federal grants. This action supersede...
www.imls.gov
December 3, 2025 at 10:43 PM
This is really important. Both in the fact of IMLS reinstating grants. (Which have been *crucial* for libraries and civic life across the country. Notably in rural areas.)
And in the example that the overall stalwartness and rigor of federal district/circuit courts has made a huge difference.
And in the example that the overall stalwartness and rigor of federal district/circuit courts has made a huge difference.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
It’s infuriating to me that I need to evaluate media to determine whether it’s AI generated now. The great “time saver” technology wastes incalculable time and energy for people who want to retain their grasp on reality
November 28, 2025 at 8:48 PM
It’s infuriating to me that I need to evaluate media to determine whether it’s AI generated now. The great “time saver” technology wastes incalculable time and energy for people who want to retain their grasp on reality
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Reminder: you don't have to engage with AI as an instructor. You can talk about AI--even build AI literacy, if you want to call it that--and still not engage directly with a brutal, unethical, ecologically disastrous bundle of technologies. Regardless of institutional pressure, you can refuse.
November 26, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Reminder: you don't have to engage with AI as an instructor. You can talk about AI--even build AI literacy, if you want to call it that--and still not engage directly with a brutal, unethical, ecologically disastrous bundle of technologies. Regardless of institutional pressure, you can refuse.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Uuuugh
Yes, the Jan-Feb Council dates will be pushed back until all study sections have met & ICs can create playlists. There are so few Council members left, this shouldn’t be difficult. NCATS, for example, is down to 1 member, unless they are allowed to keep the 2 who should have rotated off on Oct 31.
November 26, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Uuuugh
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
@hhmi.org Summer Undergraduate Research Experience - #CechFellows named in honor of Prof Tom Cech
Deadline to apply: 12/22/2025
Spend 9 weeks in a paid, mentored biomedical research experience in an HHMI lab. See you next summer!!!
www.hhmi.org/programs/cec...
Deadline to apply: 12/22/2025
Spend 9 weeks in a paid, mentored biomedical research experience in an HHMI lab. See you next summer!!!
www.hhmi.org/programs/cec...
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience | HHMI
The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience empowering the next generation of scientific leaders.
www.hhmi.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:15 PM
@hhmi.org Summer Undergraduate Research Experience - #CechFellows named in honor of Prof Tom Cech
Deadline to apply: 12/22/2025
Spend 9 weeks in a paid, mentored biomedical research experience in an HHMI lab. See you next summer!!!
www.hhmi.org/programs/cec...
Deadline to apply: 12/22/2025
Spend 9 weeks in a paid, mentored biomedical research experience in an HHMI lab. See you next summer!!!
www.hhmi.org/programs/cec...
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
This is concerning.
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
November 24, 2025 at 12:29 AM
This is concerning.
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.
This 4-year-old's heart is failing. A federal grant that might help him was canceled
A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.
n.pr
October 12, 2025 at 9:59 PM
A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
The breakdown of new awards by mechanism.
F30 (Predoc, MD/PhD)
FY2025: 196
FY2024: 253
F31 (Predoc, PhD)
FY2025: 670
FY2024: 1054
F32 (Postdoc)
FY2025: 216
FY2024: 350
6/12
F30 (Predoc, MD/PhD)
FY2025: 196
FY2024: 253
F31 (Predoc, PhD)
FY2025: 670
FY2024: 1054
F32 (Postdoc)
FY2025: 216
FY2024: 350
6/12
October 16, 2025 at 12:25 AM
The breakdown of new awards by mechanism.
F30 (Predoc, MD/PhD)
FY2025: 196
FY2024: 253
F31 (Predoc, PhD)
FY2025: 670
FY2024: 1054
F32 (Postdoc)
FY2025: 216
FY2024: 350
6/12
F30 (Predoc, MD/PhD)
FY2025: 196
FY2024: 253
F31 (Predoc, PhD)
FY2025: 670
FY2024: 1054
F32 (Postdoc)
FY2025: 216
FY2024: 350
6/12
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
The editors of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) were apparently fired today.
The precursor to MMWR began in 1878 to address emerging public health threats rapidly.
We are not “great” without it. We are vulnerable to threats from sporadic foodborne illness to bioterrorism.
The precursor to MMWR began in 1878 to address emerging public health threats rapidly.
We are not “great” without it. We are vulnerable to threats from sporadic foodborne illness to bioterrorism.
October 11, 2025 at 4:09 AM
The editors of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) were apparently fired today.
The precursor to MMWR began in 1878 to address emerging public health threats rapidly.
We are not “great” without it. We are vulnerable to threats from sporadic foodborne illness to bioterrorism.
The precursor to MMWR began in 1878 to address emerging public health threats rapidly.
We are not “great” without it. We are vulnerable to threats from sporadic foodborne illness to bioterrorism.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Dwayne has his job back because we organized for it. We fight or we die. Join AAUP today www.aaup.org/join
October 3, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Dwayne has his job back because we organized for it. We fight or we die. Join AAUP today www.aaup.org/join
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
I think the R01 is basically a non-starter at NIGMS now. Data from NIH Reporter for new and competing awards, comparing number of R01s issued relative to R35s (MIRA). This has major ramifications for basic science and basic science investigators that are not yet in the MIRA pool
September 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM
I think the R01 is basically a non-starter at NIGMS now. Data from NIH Reporter for new and competing awards, comparing number of R01s issued relative to R35s (MIRA). This has major ramifications for basic science and basic science investigators that are not yet in the MIRA pool
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Announcing such a major change to NSF GRFP this late in the cycle is incredibly cruel. 2nd yr students (mine included) have been working so hard on their proposals despite ongoing uncertainty. They are driven and passionate about being outstanding scientists and helping those coming up behind them.
September 26, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
For example: of the 26 most recent NIGMS, R35 NGAs, 9 appear to be MYF. By my count, instead of 26 awards, NIGMS could have funded 62.
September 26, 2025 at 8:59 PM
For example: of the 26 most recent NIGMS, R35 NGAs, 9 appear to be MYF. By my count, instead of 26 awards, NIGMS could have funded 62.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Thou shalt not end vaccines. God will not save you from plague. The Middle Ages should’ve made that very clear.
August 31, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Thou shalt not end vaccines. God will not save you from plague. The Middle Ages should’ve made that very clear.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
The best time to curtail firearm access is 40 years ago. The second best time is today.
Via @kare11.bsky.social, Hortman, Hoffman families respond to Annunciation Catholic School and Church shooting www.kare11.com/article/news...
Hortman, Hoffman families respond to Annunciation Catholic School and Church shooting
"No one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one to gun violence," the Hortman family said.
www.kare11.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:12 AM
The best time to curtail firearm access is 40 years ago. The second best time is today.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
all the evidence in the world and yet tenure requirements never seem to shift
In a study of professors, women got 378 new work requests over 4 weeks vs 118 for men. Women spent more time on service, advising & teaching; men on research. Orgs should track who is taking extra duties & ensure they are rewarded and distributed fairly. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Being Too Helpful At Work Can Hurt Your Career—Here’s How To Say No
Women are more likely to take on behind-the-scenes duties at work—extra tasks like onboarding or event planning—and it's hurting their careers. Here's how to say no.
www.forbes.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:41 AM
all the evidence in the world and yet tenure requirements never seem to shift
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
- Provisions to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- A effort to eliminate the federal audit watchdog (PCAOB)
- EPA emissions rollbacks that had nothing to do with the budget
- A effort to eliminate the federal audit watchdog (PCAOB)
- EPA emissions rollbacks that had nothing to do with the budget
June 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
- Provisions to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- A effort to eliminate the federal audit watchdog (PCAOB)
- EPA emissions rollbacks that had nothing to do with the budget
- A effort to eliminate the federal audit watchdog (PCAOB)
- EPA emissions rollbacks that had nothing to do with the budget
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
But it’s not over yet. Provisions like the 10-year ban on state AI regulation and the forced sell-off of public lands are still in the bill. Keep spreading the word. Keep pushing back. This isn’t budget reform.
June 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
But it’s not over yet. Provisions like the 10-year ban on state AI regulation and the forced sell-off of public lands are still in the bill. Keep spreading the word. Keep pushing back. This isn’t budget reform.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
This week, I’ve seen colleagues serve on NIH study section, doing their job diligently, submit papers, mentor students, serve on university committees, be excited about the science at conferences. Despite all the uncertainties and chaos. Don’t know what’s ahead but you can’t break spirits so easily.
June 21, 2025 at 3:34 AM
This week, I’ve seen colleagues serve on NIH study section, doing their job diligently, submit papers, mentor students, serve on university committees, be excited about the science at conferences. Despite all the uncertainties and chaos. Don’t know what’s ahead but you can’t break spirits so easily.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the largest academic research and hospital care systems in the southeast, expects to lay off 650 employees as a result of grant and other funding cuts made by the Trump Administration, it said in a statement. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center to lay off up to 650 after Trump administration grant cuts • Tennessee Lookout
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, expects to lay off 650 employees as a result of grant and funding cuts by the Trump Administration,
tennesseelookout.com
June 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the largest academic research and hospital care systems in the southeast, expects to lay off 650 employees as a result of grant and other funding cuts made by the Trump Administration, it said in a statement. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Reposted by Heather B, PhD
Former NIH director Francis Collins speaks out about why he left NIH:
“I didn’t feel I could raise alarms about the harms that were being done to medical research. I was prohibited from speaking about it.”
#medsky
www.aamc.org/news/former-...
“I didn’t feel I could raise alarms about the harms that were being done to medical research. I was prohibited from speaking about it.”
#medsky
www.aamc.org/news/former-...
Former NIH chief calls research cuts “careless” and “heartless”
Francis Collins, MD, PhD, lauds lifesaving research supported by the National Institutes of Health, explains why he left, and warns of scientific brain drain.
www.aamc.org
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Former NIH director Francis Collins speaks out about why he left NIH:
“I didn’t feel I could raise alarms about the harms that were being done to medical research. I was prohibited from speaking about it.”
#medsky
www.aamc.org/news/former-...
“I didn’t feel I could raise alarms about the harms that were being done to medical research. I was prohibited from speaking about it.”
#medsky
www.aamc.org/news/former-...