NSF Forum

In this forum, National Science Foundation (NSF) will provide various avenues for the IMECE community to interact with program directors from the Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) Division and the Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) Division. This forum includes panels on new NSF research opportunities, a proposal writing workshop, 1-on-1 meetings with NSF program directors, and a student-centered IMECE-wide poster session for NSF-funded research.

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Monday, November 18 | 1:40pm-3:25pm
Panel on CMMI Research Opportunities
NSF (National Science Foundation) CMMI Representatives from CMMI will introduce new funding opportunities and current NSF opportunities from their respective divisions and have a live Q&A with the audience about the opportunities. These presentations will be of greatest benefit to current faculty members (all ranks) at US Institutions.

NSF Participants

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Tuesday, November 19 | 10:45am-12:30pm
Proposal Writing Workshop
In this workshop, the fundamentals of grant proposal writing for the National Science Foundation (NSF) will be covered. Participants will learn about key topics, including the components of a successful proposal and finding the right home for the research. Critical aspects of the merit review process will be presented. This workshop is geared towards early career and aspiring investigators at U.S. institutions seeking to understand the NSF merit review process, although the information provided will be valuable to principal investigators in any stage of their career seeking to learn more about proposal writing.

NSF Participants

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Tuesday, November 19 | 1:30-3:00pm
The ASME Rising Stars of Mechanical Engineering Celebration and Showcase
The ASME Rising Stars of Mechanical Engineering Celebration and Showcase at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) is a prestigious event designed to honor early-career researchers who have received recognition through NSF CAREER, ONR YIP, AFOSR YIP, DARPA YFA, and NIH New Innovator Awards. This reception-style celebration will take place on Tuesday, November 18 and commences with a brief introduction, followed by a poster session during which Principal Investigators (PIs) are invited to present their innovative work. Subsequently, a networking period allows PIs to connect with their peers and other professionals in the field.

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Wednesday, November 20 | 11:10am-12:10pm
Panel on CBET Research Opportunities
Representatives from CBET will introduce new funding opportunities and current NS opportunities from their respective divisions and have a live Q&A with the audience about the opportunities. These presentations will be of greatest benefit to current faculty members (all ranks) at US Institutions.

NSF Participants

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Wednesday, November 20 | 11:10am-12:10pm
Special Panel: Future Manufacturing
Future manufacturing holds the promise of increased efficiency, flexibility, sustainability, and innovation, driving economic growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Future manufacturing is set to be transformed by a convergence of technologies and trends, shaping the way products are produced, distributed, and consumed. Future manufacturing is intrinsically multidisciplinary, spanning across various fields such as engineering, materials science, and computer science. This panel will provide a forum for exchange of fundamental research, education, and workforce development activities in addition to a discussion of future trends in manufacturing with a focus on new manufacturing capabilities that do not exist today. In this panel, Dr. Andrew Wells, the director of the NSF's Future Manufacturing (FM) program along with some awardees of the program are invited to clarify the requirements of future manufacturing and discuss potential transformative research and educational activities that support the future of manufacturing.

Particularly, this panel aims:

• To distinguish Future Manufacturing from Advanced Manufacturing (in terms of how projects and proposals are different)
• To highlight Future Manufacturing successes (with a focus on impactful and off-the-wall projects)
• To discuss possible areas ripe for exploration in Future Manufacturing proposals, likely with reference to the Blue-Sky competition.

NSF Participant

 

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Wednesday, November 20 | 2:00-3:00pm
Start-Ups - Navigating the Path to Successful Commercialization
This panel focuses on the journey from academic research to successful commercialization, featuring insights from an NSF SBIR Program Manager, startup founders, and industry experts. It will explore the challenges and successes involved in scaling technology, offering attendees a unique look at how ideas move from research labs into the marketplace.

Some topics that will be covered include:

• What were the key challenges your company faced in transitioning from academic research to commercialization?
• How has the SBIR/STTR program contributed to your company's growth and success?
• What advice would you give to academic researchers looking to commercialize their innovations?
• How did you navigate the funding landscape during the early stages of your company?
• What role does collaboration between academia and industry play in your company's success?
• Can you share any lessons learned about scaling technology from a startup perspective?
• What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working at a startup, particularly for engineers?
• How can aspiring entrepreneurs and students prepare for a career in industry or a startup?
• What's missing from the current start-up ecosystem?

NSF Participant

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Wednesday November 20 5:30–7:00pm
Women in Engineering Panel and Reception: ASME – Your Career Path! From Early Career though ASME President & Beyond!
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center

Six panelists will explore how ASME has shaped their professional development and how ASME has intertwined with their careers!

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Thursday, November 21 | 10:05am-11:05am
Panel on NSF Dynamics, Controls, and Cognition Cluster Research Opportunities
Representatives from Dynamics, Controls and Cognition (DCC) cluster of programs will introduce existing and forthcoming division-wide and NSF-wide funding opportunities, followed by a live Q&A session with the audience. These presentations will be of greatest benefit to current faculty members (all ranks) at US Institutions.

NSF Participants

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Thursday, November 21, 12:15-1:45pm
Closing Lunch Keynote
Lunch Served 12:15-12:45pm

Keynote Title: Engineering: Transforming our World for a Better Tomorrow

Abstract: Dr. Susan Margulies, Assistant Director for Engineering of the U.S. National Science Foundation, will discuss priorities and opportunities for engineering research and education. NSF funds frontier research and education across all fields of engineering to create fundamental knowledge. NSF support also builds capacity for engineering research and broadens and prepares a diverse future engineering workforce. In partnership with industry and communities across the nation, NSF’s investments lead to innovative technologies and equitable systems for health, sustainability, agriculture, clean energy and water, resilient infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and communication, which will enhance prosperity and quality of life for all Americans.

NSF Participant

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One-on-Ones With NSF Program Directors
Faculty members at U.S. institutions will have an opportunity to discuss specific research concepts with Program Directors from the area of their choice. Program Directors representing various aspects of CMMI and CBET will be available. The meeting time of 20 minutes demand that the PIs come prepared with their talking points.

NSF Participants

View Info & Schedule Appointment

The deadline to submit a request is October 25th.

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Wednesday, November 20 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Student Poster Competition
Students and graduates are invited to present and/or compete with their posters based on work from NSF-funded research. This forum provides the students an opportunity to disseminate their research to their junior, peer, senior, and experts-in-the-field colleagues. IMECE provides the unique environment for students to interact with fellow researchers from single-focus, multidisciplinary, and/or international backgrounds. The track is divided into the topics of (1) NSF-funded research grants/programs and (2) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).

16-1 Poster Session: NSF-funded Research (Grad & Undergrad)
16-2 Poster Session: NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Both topics will be held simultaneous at the same venue to encourage networking and sharing of information by the participants. Awards will be presented to recognize and rank the outstanding posters and presenters. Judging of the posters will be made on-site. The Track Organizers will provide additional information after abstract acceptance, including poster format and the availability of limited travel grants.

Conference Schedule
Wednesday, November 20:
Poster Setup: 9:00am – 10:00am
Judging: 10:00am – 3:00pm
General Viewing: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Awards: By November 27th