Media Advisory 09-024

NSB Assembles Expert Panel to Identify and Develop STEM Innovators to Foster U.S. Economic Strength and Competitiveness

Two-day discussion to be held at NSF Aug. 24-25, featuring Education Secretary Arne Duncan

Photo of high school students building a ROV.

Talented and motivated high school students build an ROV in an international competition. (Credit and Larger Version)

August 18, 2009

WHERE: Room 1235 (Board Room) at the National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Va.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • Keynote address by the Honorable Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education (Aug. 25)
  • Panel discussions to address:
    • Cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics of an innovator
    • Development of STEM innovators through the education system
    • Informal learning, cyber-learning and innovative education
    • Identification under-developed pools of STEM talent and the community role in fostering achievement
    • Innovation ecology and entrepreneurship
    • Existing government education programs, program assessment and effective policy design and implementation

See the full agenda: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/meetings/2009/0824/index.jsp.

Informed by the views of STEM leaders who have gathered for this two-day conference, the NSB's Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEH) and the CEH ad hoc Task Group on the Next Generation of STEM Innovators--composed of NSB members Camilla Benbow, John Bruer, José Marie Griffiths, Louis Lanzerotti and Diane Souvaine--will craft a recommendation-rich white paper for presentation to the full NSB.

Media representatives are invited to attend all open sessions, subject to provisions of the Government in the Sunshine Act. Journalists interested in attending and covering the meeting and/or interviewing participants, should contact Lisa-Joy Zgorski at 703-292-8311, by COB on Friday, August 21, 2009, to enable security arrangements. 

Public visitors must arrange for a visitor's badge in advance in order to attend the event. E-mail nationalsciencebrd@nsf.gov with your name and organizational affiliation to request your badge, which will be ready for pick-up at the visitor's desk on the day of the meeting.

All meeting sessions will be held in room 1235 at NSF headquarters: 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. (Ballston metro stop).

The NSB is the 25-member policymaking body for the National Science Foundation and advisory body to the President and Congress on science and engineering issues. Drawn from universities and industry, and representing a variety of science and engineering disciplines and geographic areas, NSB members are selected for their eminence in research, education, or public service, and records of distinguished service. The NSB has 24 members that serve six-year terms. The 25th member is the NSF Director, an ex officio member of the NSB. For more background on the NSB and its current composition, visit: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/about/index.jsp.

-NSF-


Media Contacts

Lisa-Joy Zgorski, NSF, (703) 292-8311, lzgorski@nsf.gov

Program Contacts

Matthew Brian Wilson, National Science Board, 703-292-4510, mbwilson@nsf.gov

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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