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Media Advisory 13-015

Reducing interference, maximizing efficiency

NSF-funded PIs to discuss radio spectrum research

Cell antennas

EARS program to hold a principal investigators' workshop Oct. 7-8.


September 30, 2013

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

The rapid proliferation of smartphones and the resulting demand for mobile broadband access has driven demand for radio frequency spectrum to new heights. At the same time, the growth in new wireless technologies for radar, public safety, national defense, unmanned aeronautical vehicles, satellites and a large number of other critical applications has contributed to shortages in radio frequencies to accommodate the increase in demand.

In 2012, the National Science Foundation (NSF) created a targeted program to invest in academic and small business research that can improve the efficiency with which the radio spectrum is used and improve access to the radio spectrum for traditionally underserved populations, opening new opportunities for innovative and efficient use of the airwaves. The program, called Enhancing Access to the Radio Spectrum, or EARS, partly responds to the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan and the 2010 Presidential Memorandum on "Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution."

What: The EARS program will hold a principal investigators' workshop to celebrate its first anniversary with researchers who will explain the motivation, expected outcomes and early results of the first wave of research funded through the EARS program.

When: Oct. 7-8, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: NSF headquarters, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va., 22230. Workshop will be held in Room 375, and research posters will be displayed in the NSF Atrium. Space is limited, and registration is required to obtain building passes for participants.

Media are invited to attend either or both days of the workshop. Any members of the media planning to attend should contact Ivy Kupec at ikupec@nsf.gov.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Ivy F Kupec, NSF, (703) 292-8796, email: ikupec@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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