The second National Science Foundation Regional Grants Conference of fiscal year 2005 will be held in Oakland, CA and hosted by Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Statewide Office, University of California Office of the President, on April 4-5, 2005, with optional FastLane workshops on the 3rd.

Key representatives from the National Science Foundation as well as your colleagues - faculty, researchers and grant administrators - representing regional colleges and universities will participate.

This two-day conference is a must, especially for new faculty, researchers and administrators who want to gain key insight into a wide range of current issues at NSF including the state of current funding; new and current policies and procedures; and pertinent administrative issues. NSF program officers representing each NSF directorate will be on hand to provide up-to-date information about specific funding opportunities and answer your questions.

Highlights include:

• New programs and initiatives;
• Future directions and strategies for national science policy;
• Proposal preparation;
• NSF's merit review process;
• Cross-disciplinary and special interest programs;
• Grant administration, compliance and accountability;
• Conflict of interest policies;
• Breakout sessions by discipline; and
• FastLane workshops.

For additional information regarding program content, contact the Policy Office, Division of Institution and Award Support at (703) 292-8243, or via e-mail at policy@nsf.gov.

For logistical information (including conference registration, lodging, etc.) visit the host's website.

• Fall 2005
• hosted by the University of South Florida
• Tampa, FL
• Details Forthcoming

• Introduction and NSF Overview
• Proposal Preparation
• NSF Merit Review Process
• Award Management
• Challenges, Opportunities and New Directions
• Cross-Disciplinary and Special Interest Programs
• Office of the Inspector General
• Breakout Sessions:
• Grant Policy
• Compliance Issues
• Biological Sciences
• Engineering
• Geosciences
• Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Office of International Science and Engineering
• Integrative Activities: Science & Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships

• NSF Update