The Universities Space Research Association (USRA), an association of 101 Ph.D. granting institutions, will hold its annual National meeting at the Holiday Inn Capital on March 28th.
Highlight of the meeting is a public symposium on The Space Workforce: A Shared Dependency to be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 28th, in the Columbia Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C Street, S.W., Washington D.C. Featured speakers include Mr. Jeff Bingham, Professional Staff to the Senate Commerce Committee; Dr. C.D Mote, Jr, President, University of Maryland, College Park; and Professor Claude Canizares, Vice President and Associate Provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mr. Bingham will provide a Congressional perspective on key issues affecting the university space research community. The keynote address will be given by President Mote on “The Gathering Storm Report and Space.” Dr. Mote speaks from the perspective of a member of the “Gathering Storm” panel, as well as President of a major technological university conducting significant space research with considerable responsibility for training the next generation of scientists and engineers in space. Dr. Mote will be followed by Professor Claude Canizares of M.I.T. who will speak to the impact of ITAR regulations on university space research and needed solutions.
A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Jeffery Hughes of Boston University will feature discussion of a proposed USRA resolution urging Congress to take action in the upcoming NASA reauthorization to strengthen university space research. If approved, the resolution calls for setting aside 1% of the NASA budget for university-led missions that have been declining precipitously, and which are essential for properly preparing the space workforce of the future. Discussion will include remarks from Prof. Daniel Baker of the University of Colorado, Prof. Edward Groth of Princeton University, Prof. Robert Holzworth of the University of Washington, and Prof. Thomas Zurbuchen of the University of Michigan.
The symposium is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For more information about the symposium, please contact USRA at 410-730-2656.
About USRA
The Universities Space Research Association, founded in 1969, is a private, nonprofit consortium of 101 universities offering advanced degrees in space- and aeronautics-related disciplines. USRA operates programs and institutions focused on research and education in space related science and engineering disciplines.
