COVID-19 Funding Opportunity, Auto-Tuning Quantum Bits, Telework Security

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sent this bulletin at 03/31/2020 04:45 PM EDT
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A biweekly news digest from the
National Institute of Standards and Technology

MARCH 31, 2020

Editor's Note

"To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect," Oscar Wilde wrote in 1895. A big part of what NIST does is to help organizations and individuals prepare effectively, whether it is for a cyberattack during telework, an earthquake threatening to strike a community, or wireless interference between 5G networks and older communications systems. Planning for these contingencies enables innovation and helps keep our nation secure.

—Ben P. Stein, Managing Editor
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NIST Funding Manufacturing Institutes to Support Pandemic Response

NIST has opened a funding opportunity for rapid, high-impact projects that support the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NIST will award these grants through the Manufacturing USA National Emergency Assistance Program.

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Beams and floor structures burn inside the NIST fire lab building.

How Fire Causes Office-Building Floors to Collapse

NIST engineers and technicians spent months meticulously recreating the long concrete floors commonly found in high-rise office buildings, only to deliberately set the structures ablaze. Learn how this could lead to stronger building codes and improved tools for designing buildings.

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Illustration with computers below circles showing how AI can be used to tune quantum bits.

To Tune Up Your Quantum Computer, Better Call an AI Mechanic

Tiny electronic devices known as quantum dots represent a potential building block for future quantum computers. Learn how artificial intelligence might play a role in enabling these computers to operate.

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An overhead view of a flooded highway in Delaware with water on both sides.

NIST Releases Online Economic Decision Tool to Help Communities Plan for Disaster

Preparing a community’s buildings and infrastructure for a hurricane or earthquake can be an incredibly complicated and costly endeavor. With input from local and state government officials, NIST researchers have developed a platform-independent web app, the Economic Decision Guide Software (EDGe$) tool, that helps evaluate community projects to improve resilience.

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At CUWiP, more than 100 women pose together on a staircase with a bright red wall running down it.

The Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics: Leveling the Playing Field

Representation helps foster the confidence of bright young women who wish to succeed in physics, but less than 20% of postsecondary physics majors are female. The Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics is working to give young women role models and advice so that they can succeed in physics and other STEM fields. Read more in this Taking Measure blog post.

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Small Business Innovation Research Grants

NIST is now accepting applications for Small Business Innovation Research Phase I projects in areas including advanced communications, advanced manufacturing and material measurements, cybersecurity and privacy, quantum science and more. Deadline is April 22. See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for full details.
Calendar

EVENTS

Online Event: What's New in NIST Guidance on Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations

Join the conversation about proposed changes to Draft NIST Special Publication 800-53, Revision 5. Register now and submit questions in advance for the April 8 event.

The NIST Summer Institute

Applications are now open for the NIST Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers. Scheduled to take place from July 6-17, 2020, it's a two-week workshop for middle school science teachers featuring hands-on activities, lectures, tours and visits with NIST scientists and engineers in their laboratories. The application deadline is April 30.

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MORE NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

NIST Helps Build Accurate Measurement Infrastructure for 5G Communications

Unlike previous wireless communication standards, 5G uses a wide range of frequencies that may overlap with other systems such as Wi-Fi. A new NIST tool, the Spectrum Sharing Test Bed, measures how well 5G and older systems can operate without interfering with each other on increasingly crowded airwaves.

Telework Security Basics

If your employer unexpectedly directs you to telework, IT security might be the last thing on your mind. Learn some simple things you can do to protect both your employer and yourself.

Divide and Conquer: New Algorithm Examines Crime-Scene Bullets Segment by Segment

NIST scientists have premiered a computer-based method that compares the markings on bullets or cartridge cases at a crime scene with those test-fired from a particular gun.

Journeying From Laboratory Research to Documentary Standards

NIST researcher Bala Muralikrishnan spends much of his time getting to know machines that measure length really intimately. Read more about Bala’s work and learn how it goes into the development of documentary standards that help put planes in the air.

Women in STEM: Igniting Young Minds, Illuminating the Future

A NIST chemist on a mission to educate young women about STEM careers and empower them economically recently returned from a trip to her home country of South Korea as a U.S. Embassy Science Fellow. Read more in this Taking Measure blog post.
Screen grab from video says, "Teleworking means that cybersecurity is your job too."

Telework Security Basics From NIST

If your telework device is compromised, anything else connected to your home network could be at risk, too. This video shows some steps you can take to improve your security.