SSTI Digest

With the goal of encouraging interdisciplinary and collaborative research, the Research Business Models Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has issued a list of initiatives to improve management of academic research grants made by various agencies of the federal government. The recommendations are also expected to result in greater consistency across agencies in award policies and reporting requirements. The selected initiatives are the result of a series of workshops held last fall involving academic officials, researchers and federal grant administrators. The Association of American Universities (AAU) has noted that cost issues of concern for the academic research community, such as reimbursement rates for facilities and administrative costs, are not addressed by the initiatives. In its e-newsletter, AAU identifies the NSTC initiatives as being: Alignment of Funding Mechanisms with Scientific Opportunities Develop consistent methods to acknowledge and distribute credit for co-investigators in the application process and in agency systems. Consider…

With contributions of nearly $64 billion annually to the gross state product, manufacturing remains the largest of all industry sectors in Pennsylvania, according to a new report sponsored by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation. Data released by the nonprofit public-private partnership documents the role of manufacturing in Pennsylvania and analyzes the forces shaping the future of the industry. Manufacturing Pennsylvania’s Future: Regional Strategies that Build from Current Strengths and Address Competitive Challenges shows Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector remains the primary economic driver in the state. Sixteen industries that collectively produce nearly half of the state's manufacturing output have grown and concentrated in Pennsylvania over the past 10 years, the report states. Small and medium-sized manufacturing firms are identified as providing the broad foundation for manufacturing in Pennsylvania. Despite some high rankings, manufacturing employment in Pennsylvania has declined by 133,000 jobs since 1998, the report finds. Recessionary issues, foreign competition, offshore…

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) announces the creation of the Innovation Systems Division and a unique economic development initiative, the John Adams Innovation Institute, a vehicle for the state to make strategic investments in its knowledge economy. The Manager, Grants and Business Administration will be a hands-on business professional, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the John Adams Innovation Institute and serving as the internal expert for grant-making procedures and best practices. The "candidate of choice" will have a demonstrated passion and ability to run a successful grant making enterprise and understand the challenges associated with achieving successful projects in the field. He or she also will have 8-10 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility that involve management of business activity in the public or non-profit sectors, with significant exposure to the issues surrounding business practice in the management of grant making and monitoring systems. Qualified candidates are encouraged to forward resume and salary…

George Bald, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, has announced his resignation to become executive director of the Pease Development Authority. Janice Bourque, president and chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, plans to step down once a replacement has been found. Cynthia Helphingstine is the new vice president for business development for Inproteo (formerly the Indiana Proteomics Consortium). Andrea Lohneiss, community development director for Riverhead, N.Y., is leaving to become Suffolk County's commissioner of economic development. The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, in partnership with the University System of Georgia, has appointed Page Siplon and Michael Hale as directors of the Maritime Logistics Innovation Center and the Middle Georgia Innovation Center for Aircraft Lifecycle Support, respectively. SSTI welcomes Rhiannon Mehring to its staff as a research associate. Doros Platika is the new chief executive officer for the Pittsburgh Life…

George Bald, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, has announced his resignation to become executive director of the Pease Development Authority.

Janice Bourque, president and chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, plans to step down once a replacement has been found.

Cynthia Helphingstine is the new vice president for business development for Inproteo (formerly the Indiana Proteomics Consortium).

Andrea Lohneiss, community development director for Riverhead, N.Y., is leaving to become Suffolk County's commissioner of economic development.

The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, in partnership with the University System of Georgia, has appointed Page Siplon and Michael Hale as directors of the Maritime Logistics Innovation Center and the Middle Georgia Innovation Center for Aircraft Lifecycle Support, respectively.

SSTI welcomes Rhiannon Mehring to its staff as a research associate.

Doros Platika is the new chief executive officer for the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse.

Sherrie Priesche, the science and technology advisor to New Jersey Governor James McGreevey, has been appointed as the new executive director for the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology.