This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan met with key leaders, celebrated scientific breakthroughs and highlighted NSF’s vital role in bolstering research initiatives for artificial intelligence.
On Monday at NSF headquarters, Panchanathan welcomed Minister Yoo Sang-Im and delegates from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology. The group convened to discuss joint research projects that will create nuanced opportunities to advance science and engineering to benefit both nations, with the potential to supercharge new access for the U.S. research community.
The following day, Panchanathan joined AAAS at its 2024 Golden Goose Awards. The Golden Goose Awards recognizes the work of researchers whose federally supported research, initially viewed as obscure or unlikely to have significant practical applications, led to unexpected breakthroughs with major societal or economic impact. This year’s recipients were all previously supported by NSF, exemplifying NSF’s commitment to identifying promising areas of research early and providing the resources and infrastructure needed to nurture breakthrough discoveries over the long term.
On Wednesday, Panchanathan attended the first annual Technology Leadership Summit to participate in a fireside chat with Michael Richards, senior director at the Chamber Technology Engagement Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Panchanathan highlighted the NSF National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes and the NSF National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource pilot during their discussion. Panchanathan elaborated on NSF’s vision to prepare the next generation with vital resources to contribute to advancements in AI.
The Quantum Insider also featured the director’s previous keynote address at Quantum World Congress. During his keynote, Panchanathan spoke on the strides NSF is undertaking to broaden the quantum workforce through the $77 million NSF Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering program. “This is the time to bring all of the assets together. Public-private partnerships, international partnerships and partnerships of every kind — this is how we will take the quantum leap forward,” said the director.
On Sunday, the director was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) alongside National Science Board chair Darío Gil, 112 other colleagues and 21 international members. Membership in the NAE showcases individuals who are making significant contributions to engineering research, practice or education. This prestigious recognition highlights his exceptional leadership at both institutional and national levels and his groundbreaking contributions to multimedia computing for assistive and rehabilitative applications.
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