Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, met with UCLA students, faculty, and government leaders this week to offer inspirational quotes on how researchers can influence and guide the next generation of scientists and engineers. provided.

Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer by training, was named to head the agency in 2019 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June 2020. His visit to UCLA was an opportunity to see up close where the NSF is being created. difference.

In meetings with various groups throughout the day, he emphasized that accessibility and inclusiveness need to be at the forefront of research efforts. He emphasized that he can work with other agencies, industry partners, cities, states and countries to enhance the speed and scale of his mission to deliver new assistance. We help you realize your ideas and bring them to life.

UCLA currently has more than 450 active National Science Foundation grants, raising more than $350 million in total funding. Grants have been awarded to faculty, students and several leading interdisciplinary research centers.

As part of his visit, Mr. Panchanathan gave a presentation in the auditorium of the California Nanosystems Institute titled “Innovation is Everywhere, Everywhere Opportunities: Accelerating the Frontiers of Science and Technology.” Before a large faculty, student, and staff audience, he delivered a passionate discussion of the need to provide underrepresented individuals, groups, and communities in the support and benefits of supporting and advancing scientific research. rice field.

“As we think about the future, how can we ensure accessibility and inclusiveness?” asked Panchanathan. “This is a moment when we must redouble our determination and effort not to leave talent and ideas behind. will know.”

His presentation was interspersed with examples of major NSF-funded projects headquartered at UCLA. These include the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, the Research Center for Nanosystem Engineering for Translational Applications of Nanoscale Multiferroic Systems, and the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering. He also cites how institutions such as Nobel laureate Andrea Ghez and UCLA’s Lauren B. Reichtmann & Arthur E. Levine Astrophysics Professors have supported their careers from early on to today. and paid tribute to several individual faculty members. Talk.

Prior to the town hall, Panchanathan met with UCLA graduate students from various disciplines who have received the organization’s graduate research fellowships. He encouraged them to step outside of academia, gain industry experience, learn entrepreneurial skills, and give back through service and mentorship.

“He was just as energetic and enthusiastic at our meeting as he was at City Hall,” said Jamie Leonard, a third-year civil engineering graduate student studying airborne microplastics. I was. To inspire the next generation, he asked us what we are doing individually towards these goals.How do we guide undergraduates in our lab? And are you reaching out to other schools that may not have the same resources as UCLA?”

The director’s remarks are also heartfelt to William Schmidt, a PhD student in bioengineering who is also working on the NSF-funded Veterans’ Success, Engagement, and Retention Program in Engineering and Science at East Los Angeles College. It sounded

“He emphasized our role as stewards and communicators of science,” Schmidt said. “It is our responsibility to continue to pass on the spark of curiosity that has kindled within us to the future students who will one day succeed us.”

During his visit to UCLA, Panchanathan also met with campus leaders, including Chancellor Gene Block and Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor Darnell Hunt. He held a roundtable discussion with early career faculty who won the agency’s career award. We also toured the CNSI research and incubator space.

UCLA Vice President for Research and Creative Activities Roger Wakimoto said: “His message is inspiring and visionary, and I will support him as he guides the agency in the months and years to come.”