Providing Guidance to University Priority Setting

Auburn University: In 1999, Auburn University selected seven areas of research to develop towards programs of national prominence. In order to evaluate the likelihood of success, the Research Competitiveness Service provided an external review of the faculty proposals. For each area, a team of three recognized experts, accompanied by a senior RCS staff member, reviewed the proposal, conducted a site visit, and produced oral and written evaluations and recommendations. The faculty then used the evaluations to strengthen each proposal. Based on the reviews, the university chose to award initial funding to five proposals in 1999. In 2000, building on the success of the first round, the university selected four more areas for development. RCS again provided expert and objective reviews of the proposals.

Providing Guidance to Research Centers and Departments

Environmental Studies, University of Kansas: Building on a successful interdisciplinary undergraduate program, the faculty at the University of Kansas have developed a plan to enhance their research profile and develop graduate programs, ultimately forming an environmental studies center. In 2000, at the request of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts And Sciences, the RCS assembled a team of experts who reviewed the plan, conducted a site visit, and provided guidance on appropriate goals for the plan and the best strategies for achieving these goals.

Optical Technology Center, Montana State University: Members of the team assembled by the RCS participated in the annual OpTeC Conference in 1998, met with the Advisory Board and then evaluated the overall quality of the research program. The panel responded to a set of issues posed by the Center related to enhancing the research program and managing the fast-growing Center. Besides bringing external perspective to the science and management at OpTeC, the visit of the invited experts helped spread the word to the outside world of its capabilities and success.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho: In 1999, the Dean of Letters and Sciences requested the RCS provide guidance to the Department of Biological Sciences. The department was in the position of having to fill a number of tenure-track vacancies relatively soon. The external team reviewed the department's existing strengths and weaknesses, and advised on future directions.

Temple University: Before investing in advanced networking capability, the administration of Temple University wanted to gauge faculty interest and engage the faculty and administration in the decision. RCS organized and ran a one-day workshop to discuss applications of advanced connectivity. Administration learned about the experience in cost and benefit at other universities; faculty heard examples and discussed issues surrounding advanced networking tools for research.

University of Puerto Rico System: RCS led a team of experts to provide advice on developing high performance networking in Puerto Rico. The team visited the three major campuses, meeting with network managers, faculty, and senior administrators. Members of the team also visited the Arecibo Observatory and met with representatives of the Puerto Rico Telephone Company. The RCS team provided guidance on network applications, architecture and infrastructure, as well as related management, organization and cost issues. The report offered specific recommendations for the mechanisms of building an appropriate infrastructure in an affordable manner.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation: In recent years, Michigan has been investing some of its tobacco settlement money to develop research and innovation in select technology areas. RCS has provided peer review of the proposals submitted in a number of recent competitions, including the Life Sciences Corridor Fund (FY02 and 03, awarding $45 million and $25 million), the Company Formation Fund ($2 million awarded in FY03), the Technology Tri-Corridor ($23 million and $27 million in FY04 and FY05), and the 21st Century Jobs Fund ($100 million in FY06). Proposals have been judged in multiple categories, including basic research; collaborative applied research and development; commercialization development; and commercialization support services. Technology sectors include life sciences; advanced automotive, manufacturing and materials; alternative energy; and homeland security and defense. Proposals were reviewed by carefully selected experts against specific criteria reflecting the goals of each category. Process has included mail review and interview of top applicants. All applicants receive analysis of their proposals as feedback. The recommendations from RCS led to the granting of awards by the funds' governing boards, which are appointed by the Governor.

Virginia Center for Innovative Technology: In 1998, the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology asked the RCS to assist with the review of nine proposals submitted to its competition for funding Technology Development Centers. Each Center would receive between $1 and $2 million from the state over a 5-year period to become a Center of Excellence in a particular R&D area. The RCS arranged for technical reviews of each proposal and a panel to evaluate all proposals in a uniform manner. VCIT staff made the final determination of awards, based on these evaluations and the site visits they conducted.

State of Maine: An RCS team worked with several groups from the state to facilitate the development of a set of priority areas for science and technology in Maine. Their efforts directly aided the State of Maine in the formulation and adoption of a state science and technology plan. Working from this, the state has been active in promoting economic development through research, and the voters have responded favorably by approving bond monies to support the targets. Two years later, a second team conducted a review of proposed legislation and provided guidance in designing a state-funded strategy to develop technology clusters in state priority technical areas.

State of Nevada: An RCS team of science and technology policy experts conducted a external review of the overall state Science and Technology research effort with an emphasis on institutional linkages and the role of the EPSCoR program. The resulting report outlined principles and made recommendations that have been used to guide the activities of the Nevada EPSCoR program.

University of Vermont: Building on ideas developed at an AAAS-led workshop on "Building Links Between Academic Research and Industry," The University of Vermont requested advice in improving its capacity to facilitate the commercialization of technologies. Two sets of experts were chosen for a series of visits to critique technology transfer and commercialization practices at the University. Consultants met with researchers and administrators as well as representatives of the Vermont Technology Council. Using the experts' recommendations, the University has established a new Technology Management Office. The new office, funded by the university and with new staff, is proactive and reaches out to faculty and Vermont businesses. It integrates the technology management activities throughout the campus and within the medical school.