This award provides funding in FY 2010 to Ann Becker and Associates, Inc. (ABA) to provide conference planning and support services to the Engineering Research Centers (ERC), the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), and the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) Programs during FY 2010 and FY 2011.
Ann Becker and Associates, Inc. (ABA), is dedicated to supporting the research efforts of the three programs under the NSF Directorate for Engingeering: Engineering Research Centers (ERC), Industry / University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), and the Office of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI). These research support efforts include: Bringing together the PIs, Co-PIs, Adminstrators, and / or students of these programs to share their science and explore possible areas of collaboration; Providing innovative forums for the program to exchange information and ideas on best practices that contribute to their ongoing success, and ultimatel, self-sustainability; and Creating mentorship opportunities between old and new investigators and staff, and between established scientists-in-training. TYhrough the annual meetings of these programs, ABA employs adult learning principles in a variety of setting (e.g., plenary sessions, breakout sessions, roundtables, poster session, and formall and informal networking opportunities) to encourage attendees to learn something new or to look at something familiar in a different and unique way. Sometimes invited speakers are brought in from outside NSF family to introduce new information or new perspectives. More often, Center and Grantee representative who are particularly successful in a given area are recruited to share their techniques and learning experiences with their colleagues. ABA's work benefits the common good indirectly by supporting the research and administrative effors of the Centers who directly contribute to the common good.
