UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 31, Page 5
May 14, 1992
CCM to participate in NASA project

     The University's Center for Composite Materials (CCM) has entered
into a subcontract with the Mid-Atlantic Technology Applications
Center (MTAC) to support MTAC's mission as one of NASA's six Regional
Technology Transfer Centers (RTTCs).  Operated under contract by the
University of Pittsburgh, MTAC replaces the former NASA Industrial
Applications Center (NIAC).
     The purpose of the new technology transfer centers is to address
NASA's concerns about U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace
by promoting federal technologies, responding to client needs for
technology and commercialization assistance and serving as a regional
focus for technology transfer activities.
     To achieve these objectives, the Mid-Atlantic Technology
Applications Center will support a field-based, client-oriented system
linked to a network of resources throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
     MTAC's field staff associates will work with companies on a
one-on-one basis to diagnose problems and to develop strategies for
providing assistance and making effective referrals.
     The Center for Composite Materials' aim is to promote the wider
use of composites in commercial products and to provide technology
transfer for the composites industry.  CCM will work with MTAC to
integrate NASA's composite materials research programs with the needs
and interests of Delaware companies.  MTAC will conduct an assessment
of industry needs and disseminate information on federally developed
composites technologies to companies and research institutions in the
region.   "The center is pleased to participate in this activity,
which is aimed at expediting technology transfer," said Roy L.
McCullough, center director.
     Patricia M. Kraft, industry liaison at CCM, will serve as MTAC's
associate at the center.  She will work directly with companies to
provide technical assistance and connect them with the resources of
the state's institutions of higher education and federal laboratories.
     Delaware joins five other mid-Atlantic institutions in the
program:

     *George Washington University School of Business and Public
         Management,
     * University of Maryland Technology Extension Service,
     * Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program,
     * Center for Innovative Technology (in Virginia) and the
     * West Virginia University Industrial Extension Service.

     According to an MTAC official, more than half of the research and
development dollars spent in the U.S. each year support federal
research programs; the federal government conducts research at 700
laboratories in areas ranging from computers and ceramics to
biotechnology and robotics. The goal of the Research Technology
Transfer Centers will be to transfer this extensive technology
throughout the nation.
     For more information , call Kraft at 831-1676.
     -Diane Kukich