Research NewsletterIssue: ORN-2022-07

Strengthening the U.S. Microelectronics Workforce: The US House of Representative Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a hearing to understand the critical workforce needs of the U.S. microelectronic manufacturing sectors as part of the ongoing investments in increasing domestic production. Science Committee Members examined current semiconductor workforce and training pipelines; explored gaps between current and future workforce needs; and discussed strategies to expand and diversify the microelectronics workforce. "Semiconductor manufacturing jobs are good, high-paying careers. The semiconductor industry hires from a wide range of educational backgrounds, with about half of the current workforce holding an associate’s degree or less. Semiconductor employees across all education levels make about 65% more than their peers in other sectors. These are also steady and safe careers with ample room for growth and widely transferable skills. Yet, we’ve heard from industry and educators alike about how students, veterans, and displaced workers just aren’t aware of semiconductor careers and so don’t pursue the training needed to enter this field."

The Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing to examine the state of hydrogen research and development in the United States. Witnesses and Members discussed hydrogen research, development, and demonstration activities as they relate to the advancement of clean hydrogen. The role of hydrogen in the decarbonization of energy and industrial sectors, as well as opportunities and challenges for hydrogen deployment and utilization was also discussed.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in partnership with several federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), released the 2022 Interagency Sea Level Rise Technical Report. The report provides an update on sea level rise projections across the U.S. and its territories; the last sea level rise report was released in 2017. Among other key findings in the report, the interagency taskforce projects that sea levels will rise an additional 10-12 inches by 2050.

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New NSF Data Infrastructure Initiative on Social and Behavioral Research: Data-intensive scientific research on human behavior and society can help improve community resilience to natural disasters, avoid supply chain disruptions and accurately predict infectious disease outbreaks. However, researchers in many disciplines have faced obstacles like incompatible data standards, missing or error-filled information, and technical difficulties in managing large data sets. To help address a wide range of challenges and create opportunities, the U.S. National Science Foundation is investing in the creation of a new data platform that will help researchers across the gamut of scientific disciplines access, collect, store and secure vital information. The $38 million commitment will establish the Research Data Ecosystem: A National Resource for Reproducible, Robust, and Transparent Social Science Research in the 21st Century. This NSF initiative will enable transformative research in fields that leverage complex scientific data about human behavior, society and the economy. More information is posted on the NSF website.

Air Force Moves to Drive Computer Vision Research and Development: The Air Force Research Laboratory is deepening its exploration of commercial computer vision, or technology that is essentially training digital systems to “see” the real world. Through a new five-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement or CRADA, announced on Wednesday, AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate will strategically access CrowdAI’s deep-learning capabilities.  Together, the entities intend to advance the nation’s hybrid space intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or ISR architecture—and artificial intelligence that enables computers to interpret the visual world. More information is posted on the NextGov website.

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Biden Admin Announces $5 Billion To Fund Nationwide Electric Vehicle Charging Network: The White House on Thursday announced $5 billion in funding that will be allocated for states to build out a national electric vehicle charging network. The goal of the funding, made available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed jointly by the Energy and Transportation Departments, is to promote the use of electric vehicles and boost the nascent industry. “A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”    Ultimately, $5 billion in funding will be made available to states over the next five years under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, beginning with $615 million in fiscal 2022. However, to receive potential funds, states must submit an electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plan. Those plans outline a state’s intent to use funds under Federal Highway Administration guidance.

Question: How do I enter a cost share? For my salary? For other personnel and expenses?

Answer: Cost Share for personnel other than faculty is very similar to release time –

•  add the person under Key personnel

•  select the period (start and end dates) that the staff/admin will be devoted to the project

•  select percentage.

More FAQs on Streamlyne: Please visit http://www.njit.edu/research/streamlyne/