MOFFETT FIELD, CA -- 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 José 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 o an institute for information science and technology; o an institute for biotechnology; o a center for sensors and wireless networking communication; o a center for human factors research and applications; and o a center for multimedia portals to information Education programs with a focus on information technology o academic degree programs at the bachelor, master and joint doctorate level; o interdisciplinary graduate certificate programs; o 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 o a center for innovation, incubation and commercialization; o a center for technical workforce development; and o 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.