The #SciFund Challenge on RocketHub

RocketHub is a website that provides a place for creative people with ideas, but without money, to get their projects funded. Website visitors, dubbed "fuelers", can view available projects and donate to the ones that they'd like to see completed. This is called crowdfunding.

Now RocketHub is helping to get science done too, with their #SciFund Challenge project.

NIH Extramural LRP Applications due Nov. 15

The NIH is accepting applications for its extramural Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) (up to $35,000) now through 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 15, 2011.

These programs often allow scientific investigators to remain in the research workforce, achieve research independence and focus their efforts on advancing the health of the nation. Opportunities are available in clinical research, pediatric research, health disparities research, contraception and infertility research, and clinical research for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each year, some 1,600 research scientists benefit from the more than $70 million NIH invests in their careers through the extramural LRPs.

What happens to your NIH proposal once it goes for review?

The NIH has provided informational videos to give you a look at the review process, as well as tips for applicants. Click here to view the videos.

Image via the NIH

Senate passes new patent bill

The America Invents Act, passed by the House in June, was passed by the Senate yesterday and sent to the President. This is the first proposed change to US patent laws since 1952 and it is hoped that it will make patent rights clearer and reduce the amount of time it takes for a new invention to get legal protection. Read more about this at Bloomberg.

Effort Reporting: 10 Things Every PI Should Know

The National Council of University Research Administrators has compiled a list of ten things every PI should know about grants and effort reporting. Read it on their Facebook Page.

Hudson River Foundation lectures

The Hudson River Foundation is hosting three seminars this fall related to the environmental quality and resource management of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10:30am
Ecology and Management of Shore Zones in the Upper Hudson River Estuary
David Strayer, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:30am
Tracking Mouse-Eating Taimen and Other Fishes in Mongolia
John Waldman, CUNY Queens College

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10:30am
Are Hudson River Fish Made of Trees? Understanding Terrestrial Support of the Hudson Food Web from Stable Isotopes
Jonathan Cole, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

All seminars will be held at the Foundation, 17 Battery Place, Suite 915. Please RSVP by calling 212-483-7667 or emailing info@hudsonriver.org.

National Science Board wants your input on the NSF

The National Science Board recently reviewed the NSF's "Intellectual Merits" and "Broader Impacts" merit review criteria and are asking for your input on their proposed revisions. Please see this "Dear Colleague" letter for information on how to contribute to the discussion.