Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4034

 124 STAT. 4008 PUBLIC LAW 111–358—JAN. 4, 2011 SEC. 507. NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD REPORT ON MID -SCALE INSTRUMENTATION. (a) MID-SCALE RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION NEEDS.—The National Science Board shall evaluate the needs, across all dis- ciplines supported by the Foundation, for mid-scale research instrumentation that falls between the instruments funded by the Major Research Instrumentation program and the very large projects funded by the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction program. (b) REPORT ON MID-SCALE RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION PRO- GRAM.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Science Board shall submit to Congress a report on mid-scale research instrumentation at the Foundation. At a minimum, this report shall include— (1) the findings from the Board’s evaluation of instrumenta- tion needs required under subsection (a), including a description of differences across disciplines and Foundation research direc- torates; (2) a recommendation or recommendations regarding how the Foundation should set priorities for mid-scale instrumenta- tion across disciplines and Foundation research directorates; (3) a recommendation or recommendations regarding the appropriateness of expanding existing programs, including the Major Research Instrumentation program or the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction program, to support more instrumentation at the mid-scale; (4) a recommendation or recommendations regarding the need for and appropriateness of a new, Foundation-wide pro- gram or initiative in support of mid-scale instrumentation, including any recommendations regarding the administration of and budget for such a program or initiative and the appro- priate scope of instruments to be funded under such a program or initiative; and (5) any recommendation or recommendations regarding other options for supporting mid-scale research instrumentation at the Foundation. SEC. 508. PARTNERSHIPS FOR INNOVATION. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall carry out a program to award merit-reviewed, competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish and to expand partnerships that promote innovation and increase the impact of research by developing tools and resources to connect new scientific discoveries to practical uses. (b) PARTNERSHIPS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible for funding under this section, an institution of higher education must propose establishment of a partnership that— (A) includes at least one private sector entity; and (B) may include other institutions of higher education, public sector institutions, private sector entities, and non- profit organizations. (2) PRIORITY.—In selecting grant recipients under this sec- tion, the Director shall give priority to partnerships that include one or more institutions of higher education and at least one of the following: (A) A minority serving institution. (B) A primarily undergraduate institution. Grants. 42 USC 1862p–2.