American Institutes for Research and the U.S. National Science Foundation Launch a New Center Supporting STEM Education Research and Practice

Arlington, Va. - The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has launched the Center for STEM Education Research and Translation, a national resource designed to support the development and use of research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) among PreK-12 STEM education communities.

Led by AIR, the Center also partners with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the University of South Carolina (USC). Together, the organizations will support NSF-funded STEM education researchers and the broader communities engaged in PreK-12 STEM education by:

• Identifying and sharing promising research findings to encourage progress toward effective practice and the advancement of science;
• Supporting communication and collaboration among current, former, and prospective NSF PreK-12 STEM education researchers; and
• Increasing awareness of NSF-funded PreK-12 STEM education research and its contributions to the field.

"The Center will bring together researchers and practitioners to ensure that PreK-12 STEM education research progresses to inform effective practice" said Gurjeet (Sonica) Dhillon, AIR senior researcher and principal investigator of the Center. "Our goal is to support a meaningful exchange of information, evidence, and ideas that advances STEM education teaching and learning nationwide."

Activities will support national priorities related to the responsible movement of scientific knowledge between and among research and educational practice communities. The Center will provide technical support, host learning opportunities, and disseminate resources that highlight NSF-funded research.

About AIREstablished in 1946, the American Institutes for Research® (AIR®) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and the workforce. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit https://www.air.org.

About the National Science Foundation
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments, and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year budget of $8.75 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities, and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

About SREB
The Southern Regional Education Board works with states, districts and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. An interstate compact and a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislators to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region.

University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to a superior student experience and dedicated to innovation in learning, research and community engagement. Founded in 1801, the university is a top-tier Carnegie Foundation research institution offering more than 350 academic degree programs, including distinguished programs in engineering, law, medicine, nursing, public health and the arts. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of 20 locations throughout the state, including the research campus in Columbia. With the nation's top first-year experience among public universities, best public honors college and 60 nationally ranked academic programs - including top-ranked programs in international business - the university is helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and around the world.