Agencies

NSF releases USAP SAHCS findings report

Published: 18 July 2025
Categories: National Science Foundation

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation released the first Sexual Assault and Harassment Climate Survey (SAHCS) findings report for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP).

Results from the survey help expand agency understanding of sexual assault and harassment, bystander experience, as well as workplace satisfaction and cultural norms within the USAP community, and will inform NSF decisions and policies.

“NSF is committed to fostering and maintaining a culture free from sexual violence and harassment throughout the United States Antarctic Program,” said Special Assistant to the Director for SAHPR Renée Ferranti. “I’m grateful to those who participated in the survey, giving NSF a stronger understanding of how to build an environment where every member of the Antarctic community feels safe and supported.”

NSF will use the survey data as a baseline program metric and intends to provide SAHCS to USAP community members periodically. The results of the USAP SAHCS will help NSF to understand the incidence and prevalence of sexual misconduct in the USAP and to gather baseline data on sexual assault and sexual harassment and bystander experience, as well as workplace satisfaction and cultural norms data within the community so NSF can continue to improve ongoing prevention and response efforts.

In addition to the SAHCS, NSF implemented several new actions and policies following the release of a 2022 NSF-commissioned report focused on the prevalence of sexual assault

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens July 18 in Georgetown

Published: 17 July 2025
Categories: FEMA News

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

AUSTIN, Texas – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Friday, July 18, in Williamson County to offer face-to-face help to survivors who had damage or losses from the severe storms and flooding in Central Texas.

Homeowners, renters and eligible non-residents may receive FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance. Survivors with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance should first file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

The Disaster Recovery Center is located at:

Williamson County EMS North Campus, Classroom A & B
3189 SE Inner Loop, Suite A
Georgetown, TX 78626
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are supporting the Texas Division of Emergency Management, which is leading efforts to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance. Center specialists can also identify potential needs and connect survivors with local, state and federal agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and community groups. 

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs. They are also equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or an American Sign Language interpreter, call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

Survivors may visit any Disaster Recovery Center. No appointment is needed.

You have until Thursday, Sept. 4, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Here’s how: 

Visit DisasterAssistance.govUse

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Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS observed by NSF-funded Gemini North telescope

Published: 17 July 2025
Categories: National Science Foundation

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, astronomers have captured an image of comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object that was first detected on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) for which the comet was named. The letter “I” means “interstellar,” and “3” indicates it is only the third object from another star system ever observed. The observations will help scientists study the characteristics of this rare object’s origin, orbit and composition.

Gemini North is in Hawaii and is one half of the International Gemini Observatory, funded in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The imagery reveals the comet’s compact coma — a cloud of gas and dust surrounding its icy nucleus.

“The sensitivity and scheduling agility of the International Gemini Observatory has provided critical early characterization of this interstellar wanderer,” says Martin Still, NSF program director for the International Gemini Observatory. “We look forward to a bounty of new data and insights as this object warms itself on sunlight before continuing its cold, dark journey between the stars.”

Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii)/Image Processing: Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is captured in this image by the NSF-funded Gemini North telescope. The image shows the comet’s compact coma — a cloud of

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Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Seneca County, New York

Published: 17 July 2025
Categories: FEMA News

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Seneca County, N.Y. – FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Seneca County, New York. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. 

The 90-day appeal period will begin July 23, 2025. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA

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