Science With an Agenda: NSF Expands Centers Program

A 15-year-old National Science Foundation program of collaborative academic-based research centers is thriving after a controversial start. In addition to conducting world-class research, the centers are expected to improve education in local schools; strengthen undergraduate and graduate training; improve minority representation in the sciences; and link up with other academic institutions, industry, and the community. It9s a tall order, and one for which many academic scientists have scant training. What makes the program tick?