This Workshop, supported by the Division of Materials Research and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities of the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, is focused on providing broad guidance on future directions in polymer science, engineering, and education.
INTELLECTUAL MERIT: Given the major developments in scientific research in polymers and the simultaneous evolution of the polymer industry in the 10 years following the last NSF Workshop on Interdisciplinary Macromolecular Science and Engineering, it is essential and timely that a new workshop be held now to identify and update specific science and engineering research opportunities and strategies. At the same time, reflecting the increasing globalization of science and technology, it is essential to examine the polymer field under this light and to identify opportunities and challenges in terms of education and international competitiveness. For this purpose, a two-day workshop will be held at NSF headquarters with the participation of leading scientists, engineers, and educators from academia, industry, and national laboratories. This workshop is to tbe organized by a committee of six individuals representing very broad academic and industiral perspectives and having expertise across the polymer field and its interfaces with areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and exngineering. The following six topics have been identified for study and discussion among the workshop participants: (1) Polymer synthesis and new polymeric materials, (2) Design and manipulation of complex polymer systems, (3) Computational modeling and theory, (4) Processing and assembly, (5) Characterizatin and properties, and (6) Polymer technology in the service of society. Education and competitiveness will be woven into each of these themes and throughout the workshop. In addition to the six subgroups fo 6 to 10 particpants to discuss each of the above topics, the workshop will begin with seven plenary speakers on issues of major importance and timeliness. These will include hiearchical functional materials, polumers in biology and medicine, energy production and storage, environmental and sustainability, cyberscience and polymers, and global security.
BROADER IMPACTS: Emphasis on educaton and international competitiveness will be given throughout the workshop and will also be the subject of a panel discussion on the first day. The workshop will create a web site that will be used as a tool to solicit input and suggestions on these topics from the polymer community and to provide information about workshop organization, schedule, and (evenutally) conclusions. Participants in the workshop will reflect a wide diversity and include leading senior and junior academic researchers, polyer educators, members of industry and government laboraties to ensure that the conclustions of this workshop are broadly applicable across polymer research and education. A few selected graduate students (to be included as assistants) will also benefit from this unique experience. Following the workshop, the organizing committee will report to NSF on the recommendations fo the entire group, and will subsequently publish a final report. The report will address key new research and education directions, as well as the changing industrial needs and global context of polymer research. The resulting report will be broadly disseminated through publication in print and on the Internet and is expected to influence the global polymer science and engineering community. Major interest for this workshop has been expressed by many other Federal Agencies, which are expected to participate and co-sponsor it.
