Secret Science Prize Meeting: NSF Picks Next Big Brain

2026-06210 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I, NSF Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Phase I, and NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot Pre-Submission Project Pitch Form

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is asking for public feedback on a form used by small businesses applying for their SBIR and STTR Phase I programs and the Fast-Track Pilot. This form helps NSF gather project ideas before official submissions, aiming to make the process smoother and clearer. If you’re a small business innovator, now’s the time to weigh in—comments are open for 30 days and could shape how you pitch your next big idea!

2026-05205 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

The National Science Foundation wants to keep using its forms for biology postdoc fellowship applications and recommendations for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts within 30 days, but no changes or extra costs are planned. If you’re applying or helping applicants, this is your chance to speak up!

2026-04588 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Program

The National Science Foundation is renewing and updating the reporting rules for researchers funded by the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program. This affects scientists who get grants to explore bold, new engineering ideas. Comments on these changes are open until May 8, 2026, and the updated rules will stay in place for up to three years, helping keep the program fresh and focused without adding extra costs.

2026-04577 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs)

The National Science Foundation wants to keep collecting reports from Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) for another 3 years. This affects MRSEC grantees who help advance materials science through research and education. They’re asking for public comments by May 8, 2026, to make sure the reporting process stays smooth and useful without adding extra costs or delays.

2026-04579 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering

The National Science Foundation wants to keep running its Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering for three more years. This survey helps gather important info about students and researchers in science fields. If you have thoughts, you can share them by May 8, 2026—no cost or big changes, just a smooth renewal to keep the data flowing!

2026-06171 — Sunshine Act Meetings

The National Science Board’s Committee on Strategy will hold a closed video meeting on April 3, 2026, to discuss the NSF’s budget for fiscal year 2028. This affects anyone interested in how federal science funding is planned and spent. No new costs or timing changes are announced, but it’s a key step in shaping future science investments.

Previous: 2025-02491 — Venerable Variable Insurance Trust and Venerable Investment Advisers, LLC

Venerable Variable Insurance Trust and Venerable Investment Advisers want permission to change their subadviser contracts without asking shareholders every time. They also want to skip some detailed fee disclosures related to these subadvisers. If approved, this could speed up management decisions starting soon, with no extra costs for investors.

Next: 2025-02495 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Update Certain Representations Relating to Shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust To Allow for In-Kind Transfers of the Trust's Bitcoin

Nasdaq wants to update the rules for the iShares Bitcoin Trust so it can move bitcoin in a new way called 'in-kind transfers.' This change affects investors who own shares of the Trust and could make trading smoother and more efficient. The SEC is now asking for public feedback before deciding, with the proposal filed in January 2025 and updated in February.