UAlbany Hosts National Science Foundation Day to Boost Federal Research Funding

George Wilson, legislative specialist for the National Science Foundation’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, kicks off NSF Day at UAlbany on October 19

Albany, N.Y. - October 19, 2011 -- The University at Albany today hosted the National Science Foundation (NSF) day-long forum aimed at aiding researchers, educators and scientists in successfully vying for federal research funding. The forum also allowed researchers to informally discuss potential research proposals with NSF officials overseeing the funding process and gain important feedback regarding their ideas.

"Last year, research institutions of higher learning in New York State received over $504 million from the National Science Foundation; an impressive funding achievement, but only half that of California," said Dr. James Dias, Vice President for Research at UAlbany. "NSF Day provides faculty and researchers from UAlbany and around the state an opportunity to position future investigators to successfully compete for funding from one of the most preeminent federal funding agencies in the world."

In addition to gaining insight and experience into the National Science Foundation’s merit review process, NSF Day at UAlbany also provided researchers and educators an opportunity to learn more about the Foundation, its mission, priorities and budget across all of its programs. Attendees had the opportunity to network, spawn new collaborative projects, and learn more about ongoing research in the area. Much of this basic research leads to significant innovation which enhances the quality of life in our nation and the world.

Special guest speakers SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher and Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-21) joined UAlbany President George M. Philip in welcoming the NSF leadership team and over 275 faculty and researchers from 30 institutions of higher education across New York State and beyond including Albany Medical College, RPI, Wadsworth, St. Rose, Sage, Siena and Skidmore, and SUNY-Cobleskill as well as from more distant campuses including Alfred State College, Buffalo State College, Rutgers University, Western New England University, and Syracuse University.

"Increasing research funding at UAlbany is one of our highest priorities," said UAlbany President George Philip. "By hosting the National Science Foundation, faculty at UAlbany and other campuses are able to learn new strategies and insights on what it takes to be competitive for NSF funding, and at the same time, build invaluable relationships with researchers and investigators from other institutions of higher education."

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