Emerging Tech

Biden administration announces new investments in fusion energy

Officials unveiled new steps in the government’s fusion energy growth plan, which emphasizes public-private partnerships and the development of a fusion pilot power plant in the 2040s.

Emerging Tech

NSF releases new framework for ensuring security in scientific research

The National Science Foundation will test the TRUST framework for its capacity to evaluate the potential risks of emerging tech research projects against national security needs.

Digital Government

DOD OIG-hosted Ukraine oversight webpage gets an upgrade

A group of inspectors general made three new changes to the site that provides transparency into ongoing federal operations in Ukraine.

Emerging Tech

DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies

The Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more. 

Emerging Tech

NSF awards $36M to decarbonize computing

As part of the Expeditions in Computing program, the National Science Foundation awarded three academic cohorts funding to leverage emerging technologies into computing for more environmentally-friendly infrastructure.

Emerging Tech

NIST’s emerging tech work will be ‘very difficult’ without sustained funding, director says

Testifying before a House committee, NIST Director Laurie Locascio highlighted her agency’s ongoing work while making clear the need for more funding.

Artificial Intelligence

NIST unveils strategic vision for AI safety work

The AI Safety Institute will work to establish artificial intelligence testing metrics and standards as detailed by a new guiding document.

Emerging Tech

NSF to issue framework addressing national security implications of sensitive research

The agency’s director noted that the TRUST framework — based on recommendations made in a recent advisory group report — will be unveiled “in the coming months.”

Artificial Intelligence

White House, Labor look to protect workers from AI-fueled harms

The Labor Department put out new guidance to encourage employers and AI developers to consider worker empowerment amid AI technology deployment.

Artificial Intelligence

Senate AI roadmap calls for $32 billion for AI programs

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled the Senate AI Working Group’s policy recommendations, which include plans for emergency appropriations to be passed this year. Senate committees will start developing bills and Working Group leaders will kick of "serious discussions" about working with House leaders on a path to pass AI legislation.

People

NASA names first head of AI

David Salvagnini will take on new roles as the agency’s chief AI officer, helping usher more cohesive AI programming across the space agency.

Artificial Intelligence

US, China to meet on AI risks

Delegations from the U.S. and People’s Republic of China will meet in Geneva this week to discuss approaches to mitigating risks in artificial intelligence deployment.

Cybersecurity

Feds, military personnel compete in President's Cyber Cup Challenge

Michael Harpin, the competition’s section chief at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, told Nextgov/FCW that the competition fosters internal recognition and networking that can help spur career growth.

Artificial Intelligence

DOJ charges ex-Google employee with theft of AI trade secrets

Ex-Google software engineer Leon Ding allegedly funneled research and confidential information from his employer to China-based companies.

Artificial Intelligence

NVIDIA and MITRE team up on an AI sandbox to support federal agency research

NVIDIA will bring its signature large-scale graphic processing systems to MITRE to help expedite advanced AI solutions for government missions.

Emerging Tech

White House launches digital twins funding opportunity

The Biden administration is investing over $280 million into digital twin technologies to innovate in semiconductor manufacturing and research.

Cybersecurity

US sets sights on partnerships to counter cyberthreats, secure AI in new global cyber strategy

An update to US international cyberspace policy will leverage partnerships to defend against cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and help prevent surveillance misuses.

Digital Government

HUD warns on AI-fueled housing discrimination

The Department of Housing and Urban Development confirmed characteristics like race and income, are protected from AI algorithmic discrimination.

Artificial Intelligence

Transportation Department seeks AI solutions for transit infrastructure

The agency is looking for ways AI can improve pedestrian safety, air traffic control, road traffic management and more.

Artificial Intelligence

NIST delivers draft AI guidance, generative AI pilot program

Pursuant to the White House's sweeping October AI executive order, the National Institute of Standards and Technology unveiled four draft documents and a pilot program to guide AI innovation and testing.