This is a part-time contracted position leading KAS' Science Policy work. Applications are due July 6. Position Description 
 

---

We'd like to set up meetings between our members and your state legislators, to talk about science. Would you like to set one up?  Email us!

---

2026 Legislation Report

Science Policy Specialist Austin McMasters has prepared summary of what we tracked, what passed, what didn't, and what we might prepare for next year. Check out what KAS worked on during the 2026 legislative session

---

U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes sweeping changes undermining scientific research

---

NSF Budget

Scientists are also urging Congress to reject the administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget  which eliminates whole Directorates and includes a staggering 54 percent cut to the National Science Foundation (NSF). AAAS' Dashboard tracks the R&D budget negotiations. Contact your Congressional representatives & Senators if you want the United States to main our investments in science! (Last year Congress heard from constituents and defended these investments)

Recently, NSF program officers have strongly encouraged proposal submissions from EPSCoR states, including Kentucky. Under the federal Chips and Science Act, NSF must increase its percentage of funding to EPSCoR states each year.  Current proposal volume from EPSCoR jurisdictions is down, so program officers are especially encouraging researchers from EPSCoR jurisdictions to submit proposals to standing programs, many of which have rolling deadlines.

NSF is seeking large proposals and small scale proposals that could be written and reviewed quickly. These include Supplements, EAGERS, REU, and conference proposals.
 

Search all NSF programs

Standard NSF Programs
Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes
Engineering for Civil Infrastructure (ECI) 
Environmental Sustainability
Infrastructure Systems and People

NSF Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers
Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)
Early-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER)
Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER)
EPSCoR Research Fellows

General NSF Opportunities
Conference Proposals
Supplemental REU & supplemental funds for HS students

Research Equipment
Major Research Instrumentation Program
Supports requests for up to $4 million from NSF for the development or acquisition of multi-user research instruments that are critical to the advancement of science and engineering.
Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1
Supports the design and implementation of research infrastructure — including equipment, cyberinfrastructure, large-scale datasets, and personnel — whose total project costs exceed the NSF Major Research Instrumentation program but are under $20 million.
Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2
Supports the implementation of research infrastructure — including equipment, cyberinfrastructure, large-scale datasets, and personnel — whose total project costs fall between $20 million and $100 million.

Check out KAS' list of Funding Opportunities 

Ky INBRE Workshops & Trainings

---

Professional Development Resources for KAS members

---

Real Science PD for Teachers

 K-12 Teachers can spend time with scientists this summer and earn professional development credits. Check out our 2026 STEM Educators' PD listing

It's not too late- Find a summer camp experience near you in our STEM Summer camp listing. 



 

---

KAS Education and Engagement Team welcomes your participation

Our Education & Engagement team makes connections with K-12 Teachers, Kentucky field stations, supports the Junior Academy, and connects with other partners around the state.

E&E meets on June 5 (and each first Friday) at 10 am ET. All are welcome! Email our Executive Director Amanda Fuller to get added to the list.

Don't miss the boat!
Put the KAS Annual Meeting on your calendar now and join your colleagues in Murray!

the Kentucky Paleontological Society (KPS) led by Dan Phelps, won a Stewardship and Outreach Award from the Kentucky Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists

Dr. Xiaomei Wang Receives NSF CAREER Award
Dr. Wang's 5-year project is titled, CAREER: Supporting Non-AI Experts in Living and Working with Imperfect Artificial Intelligence.

Summer Brown talked about Enviropods on the KGS podcast. Listen on major platforms
 


 
 

 

---

Outdoors for All

The Sierra Club Outdoors For All Campaign’s first-ever National Ambassador Program cohort will bring together grassroots leaders who want to expand access to the outdoors through advocacy, storytelling, outings, and community engagement. Ambassadors will receive hands-on training, Sierra Club gear, mentorship from staff and peers, and stipend support to help them grow as leaders in their communities, together they will work to expand equitable access to the outdoors through storytelling, community engagement, outings leadership, and advocacy. Applications Due June 10. Details





 

 

---

KAS at Lindsey Wilson University

Thank you to Dr. Laura Nissley, Dr.Bill Neace, Dr. Ray Lutgring, and Dr. Sara Ash for hosting KAS for a visit on their beautiful campus in Columbia, KY in May!  We talked about career paths, internships, and cross-institutional collaborations. We love seeing how small campuses like Lindsey Wilson offer creative approaches to quality educational experiences that respond to their students' needs.




 

---

In Memoriam

We remember Dr. David White, who passed away on December 23, 2025. David was a former president of the KAS, and the Director of Murray State University's Hancock Biological Station.  In memory of David, please plant trees or donate to your preferred charity. 

Offers free trainings, and funding opportunities- check out their monthly news

News, training and funding opportunities from Established Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA)

NASA- KY

Funding and training opportunities, Teaching materials, internships: