PUBLIC LAW 107-305—NOV. 27, 2002 116 STAT. 2369 consortia thereof to establish multidiscipHnary Centers for Computer and Network Security Research. Institutions of higher education, nonprofit research institutions, or consortia thereof receiving such grants may partner with 1 or more government laboratories or for-profit institutions, or other institutions of higher education or nonprofit research institutions. (2) MERIT REVIEW; COMPETITION.— Grants shall be awarded under this subsection on a merit-reviewed competitive basis. (3) PURPOSE. —The purpose of the Centers shall be to generate innovative approaches to computer and network security by conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research in computer and network security, including the research areas described in subsection (a)(1). (4) APPLICATIONS.— An institution of higher education, nonprofit research institution, or consortia thereof seeking funding under this subsection shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application shall include, at a minimum, a description of— (A) the research projects that will be undertaken by the Center and the contributions of each of the participating entities; (B) how the Center will promote active collaboration among scientists and engineers from different disciplines, such as computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and social science researchers; (C) how the Center will contribute to increasing the number and quality of computer and network security researchers and other professionals, including individuals from groups historically underrepresented in these fields; and (D) how the center will disseminate research results quickly and widely to improve cyber security in information technology networks, products, and services. (5) CRITERIA. —In evaluating the applications submitted under paragraph (4), the Director shall consider, at a minimum— (A) the ability of the applicant to generate innovative approaches to computer and network security and effectively carry out the research program; (B) the experience of the applicant in conducting research on computer and network security and the capacity of the applicant to foster new multidisciplinary collaborations; (C) the capacity of the applicant to attract and provide adequate support for a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to pursue computer and network security research; and (D) the extent to which the applicant will partner with government laboratories, for-profit entities, other institutions of higher education, or nonprofit research institutions, and the role the partners will play in the research undertaken by the Center. (6) ANNUAL MEETING. — The Director shall convene an annual meeting of the Centers in order to foster collaboration and communication between Center participants.
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