This multimedia presentation is a component of the June 1999 (vol. 51, no. 6) JOM. To best experience this presentation, you should employ the latest version of RealPlayer. As the audio plays, images from the presentation will automatically load in the window to the right

ATTENTION MAC USERS: Due to incompatability issues regarding the auto-launch of RealPlayer, Mac users may experience some difficulties with this on-line presentation.

Bruce A. MacDonald

Editor's Note: Under the auspices of JOM, this presentation was recorded March 1st at the 1999 TMS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, during the symposium Professional Development: Collaboration, Research, and Professional Skills. Sponsored by the TMS Young Leaders Committee, the symposium was organized by Elliot Schwartz, Gillette Company, and Livia Racz, Tufts University. Other papers from this symposium may be experienced by visiting June issue's table of contents.

The National Science Foundation encourages research collaborations through a number of program activities. This results from the recognition that significant science and engineering advances usually occur through the collective interactions of individuals. Furthermore, expanded opportunities for education of students are created through such collaborations. This presentation provides examples of collaborations within the NSF Individual Investigator Award (IIA) research programs, particularly the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) Program and the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, aimed at junior people in tenure-track positions. Opportunities for collaboration within the Division of Materials Research include activities created by the presence of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC's) and the National Facilities Program. A main goal of the NSF Division of International Programs is promotion of collaborative research between U.S. researchers and researchers in foreign countries, and pertinent examples are discussed. Also covered is the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, which encourages collaborative opportunities with universities as part of the NSF Small Business activity. competitive R&D. Also addressed will be issues related to acamedia concerns, government rights, national laboratory initiatives, and private industry concerns as related to intellectual property ownership. Rather than avoid opportunities in R&D that is growing at an increasing rate, organizations need to arm themselves with the tools needed to participate in this new arena.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bruce A. MacDonald is coordinating program director of the Advanced Materials & Processing Cluster of the Division of Materials Research of the National Science Foundation.