What is the process for joining IDEAS?
- Meet with the center or site directors to review the membership agreement and identify mutually beneficial areas of research.
- Sign the IDEAS membership agreement that is then signed by all participating universities, and
- Initiate first annual payment made to the IDEAS lead site, Arizona State University.
What happens at an IAB meeting?
- Objectives: IAB meetings are designed to bring together industry reps, faculty, students, and the NSF to interact and discuss research projects, areas of interest, and opportunities.
- Format: A 1 ½ day in-person event; IDEAS university sites rotate hosting duties at campus locations; mix of technical presentations and collaborative work / networking opportunities.
- Agenda: research project proposals (IAB members evaluate and vote on proposal merit); research project updates; industry speeches; IDEAS State-of-the-Center presentation; and an IAB business meeting to help evaluate and guide the center, as well as vote on new research proposals.
Why does my company pay ASU when the PI I’d like to work with is at another university?
- This is the centralized structure of the NSF IUCRC model.
- ASU serves as the IDEAS lead site, overseeing administrative functions for ease and a streamlined approach for members.
- Membership fees are pooled at ASU, then allocated to the research projects by the center leadership based on the recommendations of the IAB expressed by their votes. Project funds will be distributed to the three universities based on the project budgets.
- ASU does not “mark-up” or take a cut of membership fees. Upon joining IDEAS, member companies may fund research at any of the participating university sites.
How much time is required and what are the expectations of an IAB member?
The IAB takes a leadership role in selecting and evaluating research projects, thereby strongly influencing the Center’s strategic direction and research focus. Responsibilities include:
- Pay annual membership fees in a timely manner
- Attend two IAB meetings per year
- Vote on project funding
- Mentor one or more research projects
- Participate in research project reviews (monthly or quarterly, depending on project)
- Engage PIs and graduate students
- Connect with IDEAS faculty and other IAB members to develop collaborative relationships
- Consider hiring IDEAS students for summer internships and permanent employment
