In the October 6, 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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First Partnership for Innovation Awards Announced
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recommended awards for 24 projects in communities around the country to help translate knowledge gained from basic research into new products, businesses and services, as well as to provide workforce education and training opportunities focused on innovation. Totaling more than $14 million, each averaging about $600,000 over two or three years, the first-ever Partnerships For Innovation (PFI) awards cover projects in 20 states and Puerto Rico.

The PFI program is designed to build creative interactions in local communities between colleges and universities, government agencies, foundations and private corporations. Each partnership is tailored to help a specific community better position itself to accommodate research and development at the local and regional level, with the goal of advancing local economic and educational opportunities.

A complete list of the first Partnership for Innovation Awards is available at: 
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/press/00/pr0068.htm

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ATP Announces 54 New Awards
Projects valued at $274 million in private and federal funding were selected under the Department of Commerce’s Advanced Technology Program. From more than 400 proposals, ATP selected 54 projects in a broad range of technologies including pharmaceutical design, tissue engineering, industrial catalysts, energy generation and storage, manufacturing technologies, electronics manufacturing, computer software and electro-optics. Most of the awards (40) went to small businesses either as stand-alones or as the lead in an industry joint venture. Additionally, some 30 universities will be involved as joint-venture partners or as subcontractors.

Recipients were selected in 21 states: California leads with 13 projects and $34.6 million; in four projects, Texas garnered $27.5 million; Illinois received the next largest amount of funding in its three projects totaling $17.1 million; and Massachusetts received six awards for $11.5 million.

The Advanced Technology Program provides cost-shared funding to industry for high-risk R&D projects with the potential to spark important, broad-based economic benefits for the United States. Such assistance significantly accelerates potentially important R&D projects that could not be fully supported independently by the industry. In this competition approximately $144 million in ATP funds will be matched by $130 million in private dollars.

For more details on the new projects, please visit http://www.atp.nist.gov

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National Math & Science Ed Commission Makes Recommendations
Thirty years of disappointing results in U.S. math and science education is enough, according to Before It’s Too Late, the final report of the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century (commonly referred to as the Glenn Commission, after its chair, former Senator John Glenn). The Commission states in the report that it “makes only a few straightforward points, but it makes them urgently and insistently” if the United States is to improve math and science education.

Through a year-long study, the Commission has concluded the greatest opportunity for change and improvement lies in the quality of the teaching pool for math and science education, “Many classes in these subjects are taught by unqualified and underqualified teachers.” As a result, the Commission has outlined several specific action strategies along three broad goals:

The full report, Before It's Too Late, can be downloaded from: http://ed.gov/americacounts/

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State Department Names First S&T Adviser
Dr. Norman P. Neureiter has been sworn in as Science and Technology Adviser to Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright. In his capacity as Science and Technology Adviser, Dr. Neureiter will work directly with the most senior Department officials to ensure strong leadership on science-related issues. He will chair a senior-level science policy committee at the Department and will serve as the Department's principal liaison with the science, engineering and technology community -- in government, academia, and the private sector -- to promote active, long-term partnerships and to identify common objectives.

Secretary Albright acted to appoint a Science and Technology Adviser upon the recommendation of the Department's Senior Task Force on Strengthening Science at State, convened in October 1999 by Under Secretary for Global Affairs Frank E. Loy and Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security John D. Holum. The Task Force was guided by a study undertaken by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, and by legislation enacted in 1999 calling for the appointment of a State Department Science and Technology Adviser.

Before taking early retirement in 1996, Dr. Neureiter was Vice President of Texas Instruments Japan. Dr. Neureiter also has previously served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (during 1969-1973).

Dr. Neuriter’s bio can be viewed at: http://www.state.gov/www/global/oes/neureiter_norman.html

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S&T Position Openings

Advanced Technology Program
The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) within the National Institute of Standards and Technology is accepting applications for three leadership positions: the Deputy Director for ATP, the Director of the Economic Assessment Office, and Director of Information Technology and Applications. Starting pay for all three positions is $115,811 - $130,200. Position descriptions and application procedures are available at the following webpages:

Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University invites applications for the position of Assistant Director of State and Federal Relations. The successful candidate will provide professional support for the Executive Director of State and Federal Relations, serving as a staff advisor in the execution of the University’s overall state and federal relations program.

It is expected that the position will be based in Naperville, IL. Minimum qualifications include a baccalaureate degree; three years experience in state government or government relations at state level; and excellent oral and written communication skills. An advanced degree and familiarity with the operation and processes of the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress are highly desirable. Salary commensurate with experience.

Application review will begin on October 10, 2000 with applications taken until final hire is made. For full consideration, please submit a cover letter, current resume and three professional references to: Kathryn (Swanson) Buettner, Executive Director, Office of State & Federal Relations, 301 Lowden Hall, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115.

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SSTI Closed October 9
SSTI will be closed October 9 for observation of Columbus Day. We will reopen Tuesday, October 10.

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