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An Assessment of the National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Centers Program (1996) / Chapter Skim
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3. HOW WELL HAS THE DESIGN OF THE STC PROGRAM WORKED?
Pages 21-25

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From page 21...
... The most distinctive aspect of the original competition was its openness. This is one of the few cases in which teams of investigators have been able to propose long-term, large-scale research projects within or across disciplinary boundaries.
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From page 22...
... , the panel found that some topics in the original proposals remain timely and others have become mature in fact, some STCs have evolved from their original goals toward related research. That is partly due to the fast pace of research in many areas of science and partly due to extra risks involved in especially complex research topics.
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From page 23...
... STCs share with other types of centers the attributes of time scale and scope necessary to address particularly important problems that cannot realistically be addressed by single investigators. Team-building and coordination are universal characteristics, so excellent scientific leadership is essential.
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From page 24...
... KEY: STC= Science and Technology Center ERC= Engineering Research Center Coop.= Cooperative ~ ~ .
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From page 25...
... Because centers address complex research questions, require considerable buildup time, and often involve the rallying of a subcommunity of scientists, they need a long-term commitment if they are to be successful. Observing that some centers have already accomplished their goals before the 11-year grant period is over, the panel believes that a shorter award period might be appropriate.
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Key Terms

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  • knowledge transfer
  • nsf support

  • theoretical physics
  • require considerable
  • buildup time
  • extra risks
  • encompass varied

  • team research
  • related research
  • directorates evoked
  • time scale
  • overall goals

  • identifying particularly
  • key feature
  • nsf disciplinary
  • timely scientific
  • initial funding

  • funding period
  • universal characteristics
  • allows resources
  • distinguishing characteristic
  • shorter award


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