This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan led transformative discussions and visits, strengthening global partnerships and propelling innovation to new heights. On Tuesday, Panchanathan hosted the chairman of Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Png Cheong Boon, and delegates at NSF headquarters. The group discussed collaborative research opportunities, leveraging talent from both nations and strengthening NSF’s global partnerships.

Singapore Delegation Meeting

Credit: Charlotte Geary/NSF

On October 8, 2024, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan met with Cheong Boon Png, Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and members of his delegation.

Later in the week, the director traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to visit Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). During his visit, he had the opportunity to witness firsthand the groundbreaking research being conducted at CMU, including a tour of the NSF Engineering Resource Center for Human Augmentation via Dexterity. This NSF-supported initiative aims to revolutionize the ability of robots to augment human labor and foster workforce development in artificial intelligence and robotics.

Credit: Photograph provided courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation visits CloudLab on Friday, October 10, 2024.

The director also participated in the CMU President’s Lecture Series, underscoring the significance of investing in collaborative efforts with universities like CMU to accelerate the frontiers of science and technology. Following the lecture, Panchanathan engaged in a fireside chat with CMU President Farnam Jahanian, where they explored NSF’s crucial role in advancing AI research. He emphasized the contributions of the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, along with the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot, in fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

NSF continually works to strengthen partnerships and scale established programs to introduce new initiatives, ensuring that talent is energized worldwide.

director standing on a stage

Credit: Photograph provided courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University.

U.S. National Science Foundation Director Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan speaks during the Presidential Lecture Series on Friday, October 11, 2024, in the Rangos Ballroom.

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