Multi-agency Research Themes Emerge during Federal Budget Process
As Congress mulls over agency allocations, Robert Knotts, Tech’s federal relations director, has been encouraging the Tech community to explore research themes stemming from President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2015 budget.
“Expectations for award competitions are changing, and we are seeing an increased preference for public/private partnerships and new requirements for matching funds or deep engagement with state and local governments,” Knotts said.
Research involving big data remains in high demand, with cybersecurity, neuroscience data management, and health IT standards and interoperability appearing as priorities across agencies. Materials research priorities follow suit, with a particular focus on data sharing and data standards.
Commercialization is a common priority, especially in the areas of health care, manufacturing, materials, and energy. In addition, sustainability research in the water-energy-food nexus, energy security and independence, and climate and land use change also remain important to federal funding agencies.
The full briefing is available online at http://b.gatech.edu/1n6C09k with details about specific agency programs and initiatives related to environment, STEM education, and international research.
Engage to Ensure Continued Support for Research
Knotts outlined Georgia Tech’s goals and supporting activities for elevating Tech’s profile among federal audiences. Among these include more proactive research development in collaboration with Tech’s Interdisciplinary Research Institutes and targeting opportunities and submitting nomination letters for a Georgia Tech presence on federal advisory committees.
“We want the entire Georgia Tech community, regardless of department, to be engaged in Washington, D.C., whether through a scientific society or visits to build relationships with agency and congressional staff,” said Knotts. “Our team is eager to collaborate and counsel our Georgia Tech colleagues on navigating the process.”