Notice2021-23327
Request for Information: Undergraduate Training in Biology Mathematics and Computer Science (UBMC)
Primary source
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Published
October 26, 2021
Issuing agencies
National Science Foundation
Abstract
The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE), the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI), the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) and the Division of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) request input from interested parties the value and need for an interdisciplinary program that trains undergraduate students at the intersections of biological science, mathematics and computer sciences. This RFI will help inform NSF as it considers programs for educating the workforce of tomorrow.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 204 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59199-59200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23327]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Request for Information: Undergraduate Training in Biology
Mathematics and Computer Science (UBMC)
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Request for information.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of
Undergraduate Education (DUE), the Division of Biological
Infrastructure (DBI), the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) and
the Division of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
request input from interested parties the value and need for an
interdisciplinary program that trains undergraduate students at the
intersections of biological science, mathematics and computer sciences.
This RFI will help inform NSF as it considers programs for educating
the workforce of tomorrow.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
December 31, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to Mary L. Crowe, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86ebe5f4e9f1e3c6e8f5e0a8e1e9f0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="076a64756870624769746129606871">[email protected]</span></a>.
Submissions should include the ``RFI Response: Undergraduate Training
Program in Biological, Mathematical and Computer Science UBMC'' in the
subject line of the message. Phone calls can be made to Mary L. Crowe
at the following number: 703-292-7177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance
Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite
W18200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send
email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe8d8e9297938e8a91be908d98d0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e99a99858084999d86a9879a8fc78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>. Individuals who use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay
Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, 365 days a year (including Federal holidays).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Instructions: Response to this RFI is voluntary. Each individual or
institution is requested to submit only one response. Responses should
include the name of the person(s) or organization(s) filing the
comment. Please include the number of the question or questions to
which you are responding. Please limit your response to no more than
six pages.
In accordance with FAR 15.202(3), responses to this notice are not
offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding
contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated
with responding to this RFI.
Background Information: The National Science Foundation (NSF) plays
a critical role in establishing U.S. leadership in science and
engineering (S&E), creating innovations that drive the nation's economy
and educating the next generation of scientists and engineers. The NSF
10 Big Ideas support this role through ideas such as the Future of Work
at the Human Technology Frontier, Harnessing the Data Revolution, and
others, that foster
[[Page 59200]]
interdisciplinary science and engineering research and the requisite
interdisciplinary education and workforce development.
A program that exemplified the integration of interdisciplinary
training for undergraduates was the Interdisciplinary Training for
Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM), a program
aimed to enhance undergraduate education and training at the
intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences to better
prepare undergraduate students to pursue careers in fields that
integrated the mathematical and biological sciences <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08510/nsf08510.htm">https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08510/nsf08510.htm</a>. Since the end of the UBM
program, there has been an increasing amount of digital data that
necessitates education and training in not just mathematics but also in
computer science. We note here, for instance, the Data Science Corps
program, <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21523/nsf21523.htm">https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21523/nsf21523.htm</a>, one of
the components of the HDR ecosystem enabling education and workforce
development by building capacity for harnessing the data revolution in
the service of science and society.
NSF is interested in developing a new program that starts with the
core of the UBM program and expands into computer science as well as
well as emerging areas in biology and mathematics. This is in
recognition of the explosion of knowledge in instrumentation,
computational abilities, information systems, mathematical tools, and
biological systems from the nano to the macro regimes. NSF is
interested in input from a variety of stakeholders on the
interdisciplinary areas proposed for this program. We envision
stakeholders to be faculty from both 2-yr and 4-yr institutions as well
as industry, NGOs, and others.
Response(s) to the question(s) below should focus on effective
models with specific efforts in at least one of the following:
<bullet> Multiple entry and exit points along a career pathway.
<bullet> Use of technologies including virtual to enhance training
<bullet> Cohort development in cross-disciplinary research and/or
course experiences.
<bullet> Workforce needs in converging areas considering the
breadth from the skilled technical workforce to Ph.D. level scientists
Questions To Address
Respondents can answer any of the questions #1-#8; responses to all
questions are not required.
1. What are the biggest needs and challenges faced by institutions
working to develop interdisciplinary courses/programs in the converging
areas of biology, mathematics, and computer science?
2. What are the biggest needs and challenges faced by industries in
these rapidly evolving and converging areas of STEM?
3. What topics might be included in an NSF program solicitation
aimed at supporting these rapidly evolving converging areas?
4. Should a new program include the opportunity for research
experiences for undergraduates in these converging areas? If so, what
areas might be specifically targeted? Where (early, later, throughout)
should these experiences be incorporated in a student's educational
pathway and why? Is there a place for industry-based internships as
well as institutional research experiences?
5. What are effective ways to promote interdisciplinary work within
a broad range of institutions and disciplinary faculty? What might be
challenges that a solicitation might address?
6. Whether you are currently part of a consortium-based model or
would be interested in participating in one, describe the benefits and
drawbacks of such a partnership. What type of consortium structure
maximized the creation of effective and lasting relationships within
distinct disciplinary areas of institutions and between institutions in
regard to promoting interdisciplinary STEM education? What would the
role of the management entity look like, and what partners would be
involved?
7. What efforts might support STEM participation by a diverse set
of students, especially those from groups underrepresented in STEM,
through the creation of accessible, inclusive STEM learning
opportunities and promoting STEM careers in these converging areas?
8. What are effective ways in assessing program impact relative to
topics mentioned above?
Requirement: All qualified, experienced, and capable sources are
welcome to respond to this RFI. Large-scale and small-scale examples of
programs are of equal interest. Your capabilities should cover any and
all areas of focus delineated above. There is no target years of
relevant experience provided a program has evidence-based effectiveness
and proven results.
In addition, please provide the following Point of Contact
information for all responses:
Company:
Address:
Point of Contact:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Size:
Dated: October 21, 2021.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2021-23327 Filed 10-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
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