NOTE TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS: Media representatives are invited
to attend a news conference on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001, at NASA Ames
Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. At that time, NASA will
announce the signing of an agreement to establish the San José State
University Metropolitan Technology Center (MTC) at the NASA Research
Park. The press conference will begin at 4 p.m. (PST) in the Eagle
Room at Space Camp California, located by the NASA Ames main gate. A
reception will follow.

NASA Ames Research Center Director Dr. Henry McDonald and San José
State University (SJSU) President Dr. Robert Caret will sign an
agreement this Thursday, Nov.15, 2001, to establish the SJSU
Metropolitan Technology Center (MTC) at the NASA Research Park.

SJSU will act as the California State University (CSU) system lead to
develop the Metropolitan Technology Center to foster research
collaborations between NASA Ames and the CSU system, including its
campuses, organized research units, and affiliates. Such research
collaborations may include participation by SJSU graduate students in
NASA collaborative research and the formation of joint
university/NASA collaborative research teams. Officials believe the
MTC will have a major impact on the economic and social development
of Silicon Valley.

“Our goal is to develop a world-class, shared-use R&D campus by
partnering with industry, academia and nonprofits in the NASA
Research Park,” McDonald said. “I am delighted to form this
partnership with San José State University to conduct joint research
in cutting-edge technologies and to develop new ideas to improve the
region’s education infrastructure,” he said.

“I am pleased to be formalizing our partnership with NASA Ames and
establishing the SJSU Metropolitan Technology Center at the NASA
Research Park,” Caret said. “The signing of this letter of intent
represents the culmination of over two years of work between our
organizations. NASA and SJSU already enjoy a long and successful
history together with over 25 years of collaboration. The Research
Park will allow us to strengthen that partnership and build new
programs together. These programs will provide educational
opportunities, workforce development, and research opportunities to
help Silicon Valley continue to achieve and grow.” Caret said.

“The benefit of the NASA Research Park project will accrue to the
entire state of California,” said California State University
Chancellor Charles Reed. “With San JosĂ© State University acting as
our lead institution, all campuses within the CSU can play a role in
the development of the Metropolitan Technology Center. President
Caret has the full support of my office as the partners continue to
implement their vision of a comprehensive research park serving the
region and the state.”

According to the agreement, initial areas of work may include, but
would not be limited to, the following areas of research, education
and workforce development:

Research programs with a focus on information technology

  • an institute for information science and technology;
  • an institute for biotechnology;
  • a center for sensors and wireless networking communication;
  • a center for human factors research and applications; and
  • a center for multimedia portals to information

Education programs with a focus on information technology

  • academic degree programs at the bachelor, master and joint doctorate level;
  • interdisciplinary graduate certificate programs;
  • an institute for teaching effectiveness and student development with a focus on the K-12 teacher shortage and K-12 student development

Workforce development and community programs

  • a center for innovation, incubation and commercialization;
  • a center for technical workforce development; and
  • a collaborative for disaster mitigation

Speakers at the MTC signing event will include Dr. Henry McDonald,
NASA Ames Center Director;
Dr. Robert Caret, San José State University President; Dr. Charles
Reed, Chancellor, California State University; Carl Guardino, CEO
Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group; and Joe Raguso, Deputy Secretary,
California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency.

NASA Ames Research Center recently announced the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) process under the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) regulations to develop the land at Moffett Field under NASA
ownership. The proposed developments include the area called the
NASA Research Park in which the academic, industry and nonprofit
partners hope to conduct their collaborative research and education
programs. Upon the successful completion of both the EIS and EIR, a
Land Use Agreement may be signed and construction may begin.