42 U.S.C. § 6626 — Working group on inclusion in STEM

Page 6870 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 6626 resentatives a report that lists and describes the details of all foreign travel by Office of Science and Technology Policy staff and detailees. (Pub. L. 114–329, title II, § 208, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3002.) Editorial Notes CODIFICATION Section was enacted as the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2016 and also as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, and not as part of the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries DEFINITION For definition of ‘‘institutions of higher education’’ as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 114–329, set out as a note under section 1862s of this title. § 6626. Working group on inclusion in STEM fields (a) Establishment The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in collaboration with Federal departments and agencies, shall establish an interagency working group to compile and summarize available re- search and best practices on how to promote di- versity and inclusions in STEM fields and exam- ine whether barriers exist to promoting diver- sity and inclusion within Federal agencies em- ploying scientists and engineers. (b) Responsibilities The working group shall be responsible for re- viewing and assessing research, best practices, and policies across Federal science agencies re- lated to the inclusion of individuals identified in sections 1885a and 1885b of this title in the Fed- eral STEM workforce, including available re- search and best practices on how to promote di- versity and inclusion in STEM fields, includ- ing— (1) policies providing flexibility for sci- entists and engineers that are also caregivers, particularly on the timing of research grants; (2) policies to address the proper handling of claims of sexual harassment; (3) policies to minimize the effects of im- plicit bias and other systemic factors in hir- ing, promotion, evaluation and the workplace in general; and (4) other evidence-based strategies that the working group considers effective for pro- moting diversity and inclusion in the STEM fields. (c) Stakeholder input In carrying out the responsibilities under sec- tion (b), the working group shall solicit and con- sider input and recommendations from non-Fed- eral stakeholders, including— (1) the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; (2) federally funded and non-federally funded researchers, institutions of higher education, scientific disciplinary societies, and associa- tions; (3) nonprofit research institutions; (4) industry, including small businesses; (5) federally funded research and develop- ment centers; (6) non-governmental organizations; and (7) such other members of the public inter- ested in promoting a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce. (d) Public reports Not later than 1 year after January 6, 2017, and periodically thereafter, the working group shall publish a report on the review and assessment under subsection (b), including a summary of available research and best practices, any rec- ommendations for Federal actions to promote a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce, and updates on the implementation of previous recommendations for Federal actions. (e) Termination The interagency working group established under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date that it is estab- lished. (Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 308, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3011.) Editorial Notes CODIFICATION Section was enacted as part of the American Innova- tion and Competitiveness Act, and not as part of the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries DEFINITIONS For definitions of terms used in this section, see sec- tion 2 of Pub. L. 114–329, set out as a note under section 1862s of this title. § 6627. Federally-funded research with enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential (a) Review and oversight of enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential (1) In general The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Director’’), in consultation with the heads of relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall— (A) not later than 1 year after December 29, 2022— (i) continue or conduct a review of exist- ing Federal policies related to research proposed for Federal funding that may be reasonably anticipated to involve the cre- ation, transfer, or use of enhanced patho- gens of pandemic potential; and (ii) establish or update a Federal policy for the consistent review and oversight of such proposed research that appropriately considers the risks associated with, and potential benefits of, such research; and (B) not less than every 4 years thereafter, review and update such policy, as necessary and appropriate, to ensure that such policy fully accounts for relevant research that may be reasonably anticipated to involve the creation, transfer, or use of enhanced