In the February 11, 2000 Issue:

Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Iowa Governor Proposes Several S&T Initiatives
Governor Tom Vilsack has unveiled a plan to enhance Iowa’s science and technology base. In his 2001 budget proposal, the governor has proposed $10 million in state funds to create Centers of Excellence in the life sciences, information solutions, and advanced manufacturing areas. Iowa's Regent’s Universities and the Iowa Department of Economic Development will inventory current assets, evaluate the potential for critical mass commercialization of new products and processing methods, and develop a continuous cycle for Iowa's advancement in these areas.

In addition, Governor Vilsack has appointed a technology advisor and three industry-specific technology advisors in the areas of life sciences, information solutions, and advanced manufacturing. The four advisors will be responsible for formulating industry-driven technology strategies designed to further the life science, advanced manufacturing, and information solutions areas. In addition, a three-year economic development investment plan is to be designed to strengthen Iowa’s technological presence in each of these three focus areas.

Finally, Governor Vilsack has called for the Iowa Capital Investment Board to oversee the development of seed and venture capital funds. The funds may be generated through: creation of small business investment companies; creation of certified capital companies willing to invest in Iowa ventures; and,  coordination with existing venture funds. Tax credits not to exceed $35 million may be used to facilitate private investment in these seed and venture funds.

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Pennsylvania Tobacco Settlement may include VC, Research
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge has proposed that 15 percent of the Commonwealth’s expected $11 billion tobacco settlement monies be directed toward health-care related research and venture capital. Pennsylvania anticipates receiving between $397 and $459 million each year for the next 25 years.

Governor Ridge recommended ten percent of the settlement be spent on broad-based health research with funding targeted to Pennsylvania health priorities and Pennsylvania researchers and organizations. The $1.1 billion funding level is comparable to the amount committed to life sciences research by Michigan from its tobacco settlement funds; a similar proposal is pending in Ohio.

Under the Governor’s plan, five percent of the settlement would be used to create a new venture capital fund, capitalized over three years, to provide early stage investments for health-care related business development in Pennsylvania.

More information can be found at: http://db.state.pa.us/ctc/data/20000126.000.htm

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Federal R&D Opportunities

Department of Agriculture
The USDA is accepting proposals for the 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants Program for FY 2000. The purpose of this program is to strengthen eligible university teaching and research programs in the food and agricultural sciences areas. Any of the 16 historically black 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University are eligible to compete.

Proposals must be received by March 13, 2000. Awards may be up to $200,000 for teaching grants and $300,000 for research grants. A total of $8.6 million in funding is anticipated. Matching dollars are strongly encouraged, but not required. For more information, consult the January 28, 2000 edition of the Federal Register.

Department of Commerce
The Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) program, under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is accepting proposals. The program supports basic and applied research as well as collaborative research between operational forecasters and academic institutions. Two to five awards will be made for no more than $125,000 each. Proposals must be received by April 14, 2000. For more information, consult the January 21, 2000 edition of the Federal Register.

Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy is accepting applications for research and development projects designed to enhance economic competitiveness, reduce energy consumption, and reduce environmental impacts of the U.S. Glass Industry. Any non-profit organization is eligible to apply; teaming arrangements are required. Seven to 10 cooperative agreements will be awarded with a $500,000 maximum per year, per award. Applicants are required to provide a minimum cost share of 50% of the total cost of the project. Applications are due April 3, 2000. For more information, visit: http://www.ch.doe.gov/business/acq/glass/glass.htm

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Recipients for National S&T Medals Announced
Last week, President Clinton announced the recipients of the 1999 National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology, the nation's highest science and technology honors. The National Medal of Science, established by Congress in 1959 and administered by the National Science Foundation, honors individuals for contributions to the present state of knowledge across a variety of science frontiers. Including this year's recipients, the Medal of Science has been awarded to 374 distinguished scientists and engineers.

The National Medal of Technology, established by Congress in 1980 and administered by the Department of Commerce, recognizes technological innovation and advancement of the nation's global competitiveness, as well as ground-breaking contributions that commercialize a technology, create jobs, improve productivity, or stimulate the nation's growth and development in other ways. To date, 110 individuals and 11 companies have been honored with this award.

The recipients are:

1999 National Medal of Science Awardees

1999 National Medal of Technology Awardees

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Mary Good Honored by Heinz Foundation
Dr. Mary L. Good, president-elect of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and former Under Secretary for Technology in the Department of Commerce, has received the 1999 Heinz Award in Technology, the Economy, and Employment from the Heinz Family Foundations. The Award is given in recognition for Dr. Good’s “singular vision in working to build an economy fueled by scientific knowledge and technological know-how.” In the six years the Heinz Family Foundation has recognized outstanding contributions in technology, economy and employment, Dr. Good is the first woman to receive the honor.

The award comes with a $250,000 stipend. According to an Arkansas newspaper, Dr. Good may donate some of the money to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she is currently the interim dean of the College of Information Science and Systems Engineering. Dr. Good also presently serves as the managing member of Venture Capital Investors LLC, an investors’ group in Little Rock, Arkansas, her home state.

More information on the Heinz Award may be found at: http://www.awards.heinz.org/good.html

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