As the most comprehensive resource available for those involved in technology-based economic development, SSTI offers the services that are needed to help build tech-based economies. Learn more about membership...
NASA Courts More University Involvement in R&D
After surpassing $1 billion in university-based R&D for the first time ever in FY 2000, and receiving a budget increase of $633 million for FY 2001, NASA has kicked off a major effort to further strengthen its relationship with universities and colleges. On October 19, NASA Administrator Dan Goldin and NASA Science Advisor General Spence Armstrong hosted a NASA/University Cyber-Conference laying out funding opportunities and technical research areas for universities to be more integral partners in NASA research and development programs.
In his opening remarks Administrator Goldin lamented the recent 6.5 percent and 2.0 percent decline in science and engineering (S&E) graduates, respectively, and the 15 percent drop in foreign-born Ph.D.s at the same time that the U.S. demand for scientists and engineers is projected to grow by 50 percent. The impact on the mission and activities of an agency like NASA, which is driven entirely by science and engineering, will be enormous if steps are not taken to address the trends, Goldin warned.
NASA recognizes the critical role universities and colleges must play to attract, educate, and train, the country’s future scientists and engineers, Goldin continued. Despite flat NASA budget levels in recent years, funding to universities has grown 35 percent since 1996.
General Armstrong also outlined several steps currently being taken to address university-identified barriers or obstacles to the NASA grants process. Issues related to shortening the review time, decreasing reporting requirements, and securing mult-year funding commitments were at the top of Armstrong’s list.
Several NASA offices made presentations outlining specific plans to increase NASA/university research and development partnerships. Offices included: Space Science, Earth Science, Biological and Physical Research, Human Exploration and Development of Space, and Aerospace Technology.
The entire 4-hour cyberconference can be viewed or heard at: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codea/codeac/WWW/academia/conferences.html