§6626 Working group on inclusion in STEM fields

Summary

The Office of Science and Technology Policy must work with federal departments and agencies to set up an interagency working group. The group must collect and summarize research and proven methods for improving diversity and inclusion in STEM. It will also look for roadblocks inside federal agencies that hire scientists and engineers. The review must cover inclusion of the people named in sections 1885a and 1885b of this title. It must consider things like flexible policies for caregivers (for example, timing of research grants), how to handle sexual harassment claims, ways to reduce implicit bias and other systemic problems in hiring, promotion, evaluation, and other evidence-based strategies. The group must get advice from outside groups such as the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, researchers and colleges, scientific societies, nonprofit research centers, industry (including small businesses), federally funded research centers, NGOs, and others. Within 1 year after January 6, 2017, and then from time to time, the group must publish a report that summarizes findings, gives recommended federal actions, and updates progress on earlier recommendations. The working group will end 10 years after it is set up.