Organization – Why the NSF IUCRC Model?

CITeR is organized based on the NSF IUCRC model and is targeting application to the NSF for IUCRC status in 2001…. A highly successful recipe for creation of national academic centers has been developed over the past 20 years by the National Science Foundation IUCRC Program. Currently, over 50 highly successful IUCRC’s effectively address the research needs of a broad spectrum of specific industry sectors. The key to their success is the tight coupling of all their activities to the needs of their membership – a fundamental requirement of all NSF IUCRCs, and a shared goal of the faculty participating in the CITeR. As an IUCRC, CITeR’s organization will guarantee this coupling. Each of CITeR’s dues paying members will have voting membership on its Advisory Board. This group meets twice yearly to review and evolve the research portfolio of the Center funded by the collective membership dollar pool and provide input on policy and other Center matters as the Center evolves and grows. Members serve as research project monitors and derive a spectrum of direct benefits from membership in the Center, as well as a number of soft benefits including the ability to develop professional relationships with and effectively recruit students to their organizations. The NSF will provide matching dollars to the Center in the amount of $75,000 per year as long as the Center attracts a membership such that it maintains a minimum of $300,000 a year in membership revenue. The Planning Conference held in April 2001 established the initial research, policies, and membership with which application for IUCRC status will be made. Make sure your organization plays a role in CITeR’s future by participating as a member.