In an era when resources are scarce and the competition for federal dollars is fierce, the key to success can be right in front of us.
I recently helped arrange for leaders from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to headline a full-day workshop for faculty and students sponsored by the State University System of Florida. NSF officials, including representatives from each of the agency’s Directorates, described in detail NSF’s current and future program priorities, while offering valuable insights into the agency’s grant-making process. University attendees were among the first in the nation to learn of new grant review criteria released just the day before by the National Science Board.
The workshop, which was convened at the University of Central Florida, was kicked off by State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan, who spoke of the importance of universities in strengthening and growing a new knowledge-based economy in Florida. Over 350 university research faculty and graduate and postdoctoral students took part in the January 12 session, including vice presidents for research and faculty in life sciences, engineering and computer sciences.
Florida’s public university system represents a combined enrollment of more than 324,000 students, 60,000 faculty and staff and an annual operating budget of over $9 billion.
CRD specializes in helping its clients forge productive relationships with key decision makers in the federal government—relationships that can open new avenues to funding opportunities.