For Support of an Assessment of the Engineering Research Centers Program

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The proposed study has three primary objectives: 1) to assess whether or not the Engineering Research Centers (ERC) program has worked as envisioned: a) to promote cross- disciplinary engineering research on problems of industrial importance; b) to encourage industrial interactions with center research programs; and c) to encourage engineering education with a distinct emphasis on engineering practice. 2) to reassess the fundamental mission of the ERC program in light of: a) experience to date with the centers; b) changes in the practice of engineering research and education at universities; and c) currently perceived challenges to the strength of U.S. engineering research and education. 3) to consider the effectiveness of existing proposal submission and selection processes with regard to the ability of these to direct funds to those areas of engineering research of highest national importance.