Prototype International Virtual Institute for the Development of a Materials World Network

材料科学和工程的持续进步越来越依赖于通过在真实的和虚拟空间中运行的材料世界网络来汇集资源和降低成本的全球合作努力。该项目支持设计和开发一个原型国际虚拟研究所（IVI），作为材料世界网络设想的虚拟服务的试验台。该项目开发了一个网络基础设施，将加强在真实的空间中使用物理基础设施。 拟议的国际脆弱性指数原型在第一阶段包括一个全球研究画廊和一个评价中心。全球研究画廊将允许研究人员和学生：1。查看当前研究的出版前结果; 2。不参加会议讨论研究结果; 3.比较同一地点不同实验室的研究结果;发现最新的研究技术并确定尖端测量工具; 4.开发具有互补研究优势和资源的潜在合作者; 5.查看顶级机构以前无法访问的研究活动; 6.以最低的成本展示他们的研究工作; 7.创建全球专题网络。8.安排特殊的GRG展览，以满足他们的特定研究和网络需求。评估中心将用于评估我们的网络基础设施的有用性。将收集用户反馈以评估以下内容：1.在全球范围内使用国际脆弱性指数作为研究和合作的资源; 2.用户参与IVI网络进一步发展的意愿;以及3.建议项目可为学生、教师和同事提供更丰富的研究和教育环境。特别是，IVI原型可以在以下方面提供最大的影响：1.它可以提高全球研究和教育基础设施的利用和共享; 2. IVI基础设施旨在促进科学和技术成果和理解的快速和广泛传播; 3.为来自世界各地的学生和教师提供了一个独特的机会来加强教学，培训和学习; 4.它是一个独特的有用的平台，鼓励学生之间的全球科学和文化交流; IVI旨在为所有希望参与的人提供一个“公平的竞争环境”。IVI服务于这个国家、其他发达国家和世界各地发展中国家的代表性不足的群体。

Continued progress in materials science and engineering has become increasingly dependent upon global collaborative efforts that pool resources and reduce costs through a Materials World Network operating in real and virtual space. This project supports the design and development of a prototype International Virtual Institute (IVI) as a test bed for the virtual services envisioned for a Materials World Network. The project develops a cyber-infrastructure that will enhance the use of physical infrastructures in real space. The proposed IVI prototype includes, in the first phase, a Global Research Gallery and an Evaluation Center. The Global Research Gallery will allow researchers and students to: 1. View pre-publication results on current research; 2. Discuss research findings without attending a conference; 3. Compare research results from different labs at one location; find the latest research techniques and identify tools for cutting edge measurements; 4. Develop potential collaborators with complementary research strengths and resources; 5. View previously inaccessible research activities from top-rated institutions; 6. Present their research work at minimal cost; and 7. Create global topical networks. 8. Schedule special GRG exhibits to meet their specific research and networking needs. The Evaluation Center will be used to assess the usefulness of our cyber infrastructure. User feedback will be collected to evaluate the following: 1. Global use of the IVI as a resource for research and collaboration; 2. Willingness of users to participate in the further development of the IVI network; and 3. General level of support from academia, industry, government, foundations, etc. More specifically, a multiple-focus approach will be adopted to evaluate benefits to the community.The proposed project can potentially enrich the research and education environment of students, teachers and their colleagues. In particular, the IVI prototype can deliver the most impact in the followingareas: 1. It can enhance the utilization and the sharing of global infrastructures for research andeducation; 2. The IVI infrastructure is designed to facilitate the rapid and broad dissemination ofscientific and technological findings and understanding; 3. Provides a unique opportunity to enhanceteaching, training and learning among students and teachers from different parts of the world; 4. It is auniquely useful platform for encouraging global scientific and cultural exchanges among students; and5. The IVI is designed to be a "level playing field" for all who wish to participate. The IVI servesunder-represented groups in this country, in other developed countries, and in developing countriesaround the world.