National Science Foundation director visits UF
National Science Foundation director visits UF
UF News
Blake Trauschke
The director of the National Science Foundation, one of the country’s largest and most impactful federal research agencies, visited the University of Florida last week to discuss opportunities for university researchers as well as the agency’s priorities and vision.
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, who oversees the $8.8 billion federal agency, toured various NSF-funded projects beginning at the Florida Museum of Natural History and ending at East Campus. NSF funds approximately $60.9 million in UF research.
“NSF is just an enabler for all these people doing their work,” Panchanathan said. “What can NSF do better? That’s why I’m here.”
Many parts of the visit emphasized UF’s work to fuel private sector innovation, including presentations by Amy Beaird of the Florida High Tech Corridor and Eric Godet of the Greater Gainesville Chamber. Deans from across the university also discussed how NSF-funded projects