This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan engaged with leaders and innovators at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University (OSU), focusing on the future of workforce development, the economic impact of public research universities, and NSF-supported research. 

In Fiscal Year 2023, NSF invested over $121 million in Oregon to advance research, innovation and education. At the University of Oregon, the director participated in discussions on workforce development and a roundtable on economic contributions with NSF Chief Science Officer Karen Marrongelle and former Congressman Peter DeFazio. The visit concluded with a tour of the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon (CAMCOR).  

At Oregon State University, Panchanathan spoke with the campus research community about NSF’s strategic direction and the crucial universities play in driving next-generation science and innovation. He also participated in a roundtable discussion on semiconductor technology innovation and workforce development, highlighting OSU’s leadership in this critical field. Key participants included OSU semiconductor research and development and education leaders such as Sanjay Natarajan, senior vice president and co-general manager Intel Corporation; Arun Agarwal, R&D director for the Advanced Technology and Strategy Lab HP; and representatives from state and industry partners. 

In addition to these engagements, on Tuesday, the agency announced a $14.5 million investment in it NSF Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education program. “Community colleges play a critical role in training people from all parts of the country for a variety of STEM careers, including future scientists, engineers and technicians,” noted Panchanathan. 

On Thursday, NSF also announced a $39 million investment through the NSF Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering program to grow quantum research activities at more institutions nationwide. “Maintaining our country’s global leadership in quantum information science demands that we engage the full spectrum of talent that’s waiting to be unleashed from each and every U.S. community,” said Panchanathan.  

These initiatives represent significant strides in expanding opportunities and capabilities across the nation’s educational landscape. 

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