PROGRAM AREASEEC's programs complement those in the disciplinary research divisions of the Directorate for Engineering. The Center programs support interdisciplinary research that is of a scale that requires the center mode of research and that is relevant to industry. The Education programs address reform in undergraduate engineering education content and pedagogy, while the Human Resources programs support a variety of mechanisms to provide opportunities for those participating in or providing instruction leading to engineering education. EEC programs typically overlap two or more program areas. For example, Centers are involved in education, while Education projects include human resources components. Similarly, Human Resources projects can take place at EEC-funded research centers. Centers ProgramsEEC's centers promote partnerships among researchers in different disciplines and between industry and universities. They focus on integrated engineered systems and produce technological innovations that strengthen the competitive position of industry. Their graduates are well-rounded, professionally oriented engineers with a global outlook, experience in technological innovation, and the ability to assume leadership roles in industry, academe, and government. Engineering Research Centers (ERC) ProgramProvides an integrated environment for academe and industry to focus on next-generation advances in complex engineered systems, with synergy among engineering, science, and industrial practices. ERCs integrate research and education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and produce curriculum innovations derived from the engineering systems research focus of the ERC. ERCs build partnerships with industry, develop shared infrastructure, and increase the capacity of engineering and science graduates to contribute to U.S. competitiveness. Information about individual ERCs, accomplishments, and education and human resources programs is available at: http://www.erc-assoc.org/erc_links.htm. In addition, ERC Program Funds have been used to support the engineering based Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSEC) and the engineering based Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams (NIRT).
Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) ProgramDevelops long-term partnerships among industry, academe, and government. The centers are university-based and catalyzed by a small investment from NSF but are primarily supported by industry members. I/UCRCs are led by faculty who have a strong desire to work with industry and who want to pursue fundamental research agendas recommended by industrial advisory boards. Center research projects are conducted primarily by graduate students; the program thus develops students who know how to conduct industrially relevant research and communicate their findings effectively. Additional information about the IUCRC program is available at: http://www.eng.nsf.gov/iucrc/. Engineering Education ProgramsEngineering Education ProgramThe Engineering Education Program -- an unsolicited program -- has the goal to increase the quantity and quality of U.S. citizens who earn BS degrees in engineering. We welcome unsolicited proposals from faculty with cutting edge new ideas for undergraduate engineering education improvements. Target Dates for submission of proposals to this program are January 9 and July 9 of each year. Grants for Department-Level Reform of Undergraduate Engineering EducationSupports departmental and larger units to reformulate, streamline, and update engineering and engineering technology degree programs; develop new curriculums for emerging engineering disciplines; and meet the emerging workforce and educational needs of U.S. industry. These efforts should increase the relevance of undergraduate engineering curriculum to modern engineering practice and induce an increased proportion of students who enroll to complete engineering degree programs. The deadline for submitting proposals to this program is March 12 of each year. Beyond these programs, the Engineering Research Centers conduct a range of engineering education activities (http://www.erc-assoc.org/educate/programs_index.htm). In addition to EEC’s own programs -- the Division participates in:
The Division seeks to increase the number of people pursuing engineering education and engineering careers and the participation of underrepresented minorities, women, and persons with disabilities at every level of the engineering education and workforce enterprise. To address these goals, EEC manages the Directorate for Engineerings involvement in the following programs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specially designed for the purpose. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. REU Supplements may be included in proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative agreements or as supplements to ongoing NSF-funded projects. REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct undergraduate research participation projects for a number of students. REU Sites projects may be based in a single discipline or academic department or be based on interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a strong intellectual focus.
Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)RET Site Proposals Due October 12, 2004; see NSF 03-554 The Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program supports the active involvement of K-12 teachers and community college faculty in engineering research in order to bring knowledge of engineering and technological innovation into their classrooms. RET Supplements may be included in proposals for new or renewal NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG) grants or as supplements to ongoing NSF/ENG funded projects. RET Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct research participation projects for a number of K-12 teachers and/or community college faculty. Besides these programs, Engineering Research Centers conduct a range of research activities by undergraduates http://www.erc-assoc.org/educate/reuprogram.htm and K-12 teachers and students http://www.erc-assoc.org/showcase/education/gradelevel/precollege.htm. In addition, EEC participates in the following human resources programs:
Partnerships for Innovation (PFI)Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) program that promotes innovation by bringing together colleges and universities, State and local governments, private sector firms, and nonprofit organizations. These organizations form partnerships that support innovation in their communities by developing the people, tools, and infrastructure needed to connect new scientific discoveries to practical uses. The goals of the PFI program are to:
More information about PFI can be found at; http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/pfi/about.cfm
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