South Carolina State University News September 10, 2010 SC State officials to launch "$50M by 2015" research initiative at research forum SC State University officials will unveil plans to increase its level of research funding to $50 million annually by fiscal year (FY) 2015 at the 2010 Research Forum, which will be held noon on Sept. 16 at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Efforts through "$50 Million by 2015" will help enhance the university's existing research activities and infrastructure and expand its research capacity. During FY 2009, SC State was awarded approximately $30 million in funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Energy and the S.C. Department of Education. The funding awarded supports research in areas such as biofuel production, nuclear engineering, improving rural development and educational opportunities in African nations, ensuring access to quality food supply, combating obesity and sustaining the environment. "SC State researchers, faculty, staff and students work arduously to achieve novel discoveries, innovative explorations and practical applications. The " $50 Million by 2015" initiative will allow SC State faculty and researchers to continue finding solutions to real-world problems through their scholarly work," said Dr. G. Dale Wesson, vice present of the Division of Research, Economic Development and Public Service and Executive Director of 1890 Research and Extension. "This initiative is also important to SC State's advancement as it will aid the institution in receiving recognition as a research university," continued Wesson. Among the details revealed about the initiative, officials will give information about the research incentive and research bonus plans, two key programs established to encourage faculty and researchers to seek external support for their research/creative activities. The 2010 Research Forum, co-sponsored by 1890 Research & Extension, is designed to educate faculty and researchers on the SC State and 1890 research process. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for attendees to learn insider tips on all aspects of research, from identifying promising research opportunities to writing grant-funded proposals, engaging students through undergraduate and graduate research to understanding intellectual property. Lunch will begin at noon, followed by concurrent sessions facilitated by presenters who represent agencies, including USDA, NSF, Clemson University, University of South Carolina and Georgia Institute of Technology. The forum will end with a 6 p.m. dinner and presentation on "Protecting Your Intellectual Property," to be delivered by Attorney Tanago Boozer, director of technology transfer at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Free to SC State faculty, researchers and staff, interested participants are asked to register by Sept. 14 to Beulah El-Amin at (803) 533-3987 or elaminb@scsu.edu<mailto:elaminb@scsu.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.