Image credit – Biden Inaugural Committee
Although science policy often moves slowly, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic last year demonstrated how the landscape can be upended almost overnight. As 2021 gets underway, the pandemic recovery and the changeover in presidential administrations are promising to make for an eventful year, even apart from whatever new surprises may be in store.
President Biden’s team has pledged to ensure scientific expertise is applied across the government’s pandemic response and more broadly to “listen to the science” in all matters of governance. This broad focus on science may also add to the momentum building behind significantly expanding support for U.S. R&D. Dramatic shifts are certainly expected for areas such as climate research and immigration policy, though some areas of science policy may continue with little disruption.
Jill Biden wore a design from Gabriela Hearst.
Handout/Biden Inaugural Committee via Getty Images
For the concert, Biden wore an ivory outfit from Uruguayan-American designer Gabriela Hearst.
Hearst shared on Instagram that each flower took between two to four hours to embroider, and the Delaware flower was placed near Jill s heart to represent her home state. The message of Unity is the main inspiration for the creation of the Ensemble, Hearst wrote in her caption. Unity makes strength and it is needed for the road ahead. The blooming symbol to represent this message are the federal flowers from every state and territory of the United States of America.
Will Weissert And Deb Riechmann
In this image from video, former President Bill Clinton, former President George W. Bush and former President Barack Obama speak during a Celebrating America concert on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, part of the 59th Inauguration Day events for President Joe Biden who was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. Donald Trump is shunning the ex-presidents club and the feeling is mutual. Trump is not an easy fit for the group of former commanders in chief who revere the presidency enough to put aside their often bitter political differences (Biden Inaugural Committee via AP)
Felicia Fonseca
In this image from video, Demi Lovato performs with Denny MedicineBird, an American Indian dancer, in the background during the Celebrating America event on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, following the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States. On the first day of Joe Biden s presidency, Native Americans had reason to celebrate.(Biden Inaugural Committee via AP) January 21, 2021 - 7:44 PM
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - On the first day of Joe Biden s presidency, Native Americans had reason to celebrate. Biden halted construction of the border wall that threatened to physically separate Indigenous people living on both sides.
He also revoked a permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline that tribes fought in court for years, and he agreed to restore the boundaries of the first national monument created specifically at the request of tribes in southern Utah. Inaugural events showcased tribes across the country in traditional regali