There is much to be optimistic about on the UMass Amherst campus. This issue of Industry ACCESS will remind readers about some of the good opportunities for growth that abound.

Thanks to readers who responded to our informal feedback survey. We appreciate your comments an will be take them into considerationin future issues

Complete listing of events

	Homeland Security focus of Univ-Industry "Technology Conversation"
Many departments at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are engaged in research that might have an impact on homeland security applications. Three broad technology areas of focus -Networks, Sensors & Tracking, and Detection - have been selected for "A Technology Conversation with UMass Amherst: Technology for Homeland Security Applications," on Thursday, Oct 24, 3:30pm - 6:30pm. This event, organized by the Regional Technology Alliance (RTA), its affiliated networks (TEC/MMTN/BETA) and ILED, will initiate the conversation between faculty and industry that might lead to collaboration or new business endeavors. It is hosted by the College of Engineering in conjunction with the Dean's Advisory Council meeting on campus. During small breakout sessions, participants will be able to get to know the researchers who are leaders in their respective fields and bring to their attention the business factors that will enable the full potential of their ideas. This is an opportunity to become an active participant in solutions for homeland security. A poster session by College of Engineering members will further acquaint you with UMass initiatives. Registration for the conference is free but space is limited. It will be held in the Gunness Student Center in Marcus Hall. Parking will be complimentary in Lot 65. Register for the event »

	Free Software for Research and Teaching
Two of our campus's industry partners have programs that faculty, staff, and students can take advantage of to receive free software. Microsoft and IBM are both making available for FREE many of their top software packages as long as the software is used for teaching or research. Microsoft has renewed the University's subscription to its Microsoft Developer's Network Academic Alliance (MSDN-AA) program for Fiscal Year 2003. Through MSDN-AA, all UMass Amherst faculty, students and staff continue to be eligible for FREE Microsoft developer tools, platforms and servers, as long as the software is used for teaching or research. Free Microsoft software includes the latest versions of: Visio Professional; Visual Studio Professional: Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual InterDev; Windows, SQL, Exchange, Commerce, and BizTalk Servers The latest desktop versions of Windows Windows CE development tools Beta releases of Windows XP Professional, Visual Studio.NET 7.0, Windows .NET Server MSDN Library references For more information on MSDN-AA and how to download free software, go to http://msdnaa.oit.umass.edu IBM has made available to UMass its IBM Scholars Program which provides software at no cost for use in the classroom and lab. Other benefits of the program include the most comprehensive set of e- business software available, discounts on servers, educational materials and resources, certification curriculum and special offers, technical support, newsletter and newsgroup, and Ph.D. fellowships for your top students. A partial list of available IBM titles includes: Data Mangement: DB2, Informix Websphere Foundation and tools: Application server, Studio, Host access Reach and user experience: Commerce, Portal, Pervasive Business integration: Business process management, Enterprise application integration Lotus software: Domino, Notes, Quickplace, Sametime, Workflow Application development software: APL2, Object REXX AIX software: Operating systems, Systems management software, Application development tools Cluster/scalable parallel (SP) software: Cluster Systems Management (CSM), Engineering and Scientific subroutine Library (ESSL), General Parallel File System (GPFS), Parallel System Support Programs (PSSP), LoadLeveler Contact ILED for more info on industry partnerships »

	When Fed Grant Programs Need Industry Partners
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics recently submitted a proposal to the NSF for an Integrated Graduate Education Research and Training (IGERT) pre-proposal titled, "Image BioInformatics Technology (IBIT)." Principal investigator, Beth Brainerd, contacted ILED because the RFP called for industry support in the form of internships and co-op placements for the students. ILED made contact with several of its partners and three companies - IBM Life Sciences, Pfizer, and Solutia Pharma Services - have all agreed to consider providing opportunities to the students that will benefit from the IGERT. If a full proposal is requested, it's expected that additional companies will be interested, too. If you're thinking about submitting a proposal that needs industry partners, ILED can help. If your company would like to more information about this proposal, give us a call. Contact ILED »

	SBIR/STTR can mean cash
The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research; companies apply) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer; faculty apply) programs, two competitively awarded, three-phase Federal Government programs, are designed to stimulate technological innovation and provide opportunities for small business. These dynamic teams of private and public sectors include joint venture opportunities for small businesses and the nation's premier nonprofit research institutions. Small businesses can learn about the SBIR/STTR - how to apply for, and what it takes to win, some of the $1.5+billion in U.S. Government R&D investments at the October 28-31, 2002 National SBIR/STTR Conference in Burlington, VT. The SBIR program funds high-risk projects at the earliest stages of development - before companies can attract venture capital - and works with you through that development and on into the actual commercialization of your product! The National Science Foundation (NSF) is now accepting proposals for the Areas of Biotechnology (BT) and Electronics (EL) under their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) solicitation that was released March 1, 2002. The closing date for this solicitation is January 22, 2003. For more information and a complete copy of the solicitation, visit The BT and EL topics can also be found in the SBIRworld solicitation search engine. The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, based in the Isenberg Schol of Management, offers the advice of its Procurement Center to help small business obtain federal contracts for research and other services as well as products. The SBDC recently announced a collaboration with Lockheed Martin to help small business participate with larger companies in federal bidding opportunities. Contact director Mike Robinson for more information. Visit SBIRworld »

	Biomedical Research Institute Gets Funding
The Baystate-UMass Biomedical Research Institute (formerly PVLSI) - a strategic collaboration between UMass Amherst and Baystate Medical Center (Springfield) - is now $10 million closer to its goal of establishing a firm base for biomedical research in Western Massachusetts. Action by the Massachusetts Legislature in late August provides $5 million to the two institutions as a general budget appropriation toward the launch of the Baystate-UMass Biomedical Research Institute, the initiative's clinical research facility in Springfield. In addition, the University received an additional $5 million of bonding authorization toward the construction of the Integrated Science Building on campus, the other major facility included in the joint initiative with Baystate. The aims of the initiative include providing a stronger base from which UMass Amherst can successfully compete for research funds from the National Institutes of Health and other agencies. Contact Larry Schwartz, Interim Institute Director »

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