Computer architecture research has been a melting pot of theoretical concepts for devising concrete techniques by which next generation computer systems are designed and put together. From the design of early vacuum tube computers to shaping today's impressive single-chip processors, housing tens of millions of transistors, computer architecture researchers have been at the forefront of an amazing journey of discoveries that have helped usher in the new age of personal computing and global web of information sharing and exchange.

In this talk, I will attempt to describe the critical role that the National Science Foundation has played and continues to play in stimulating computer architecture research. The talk will draw from my recent experience as the Director of Computer Systems Architecture Program at NSF. It will explain the delicate dynamics of balancing mainstream computer architecture research projects with new ideas and technology-driven problems such as molecular and nano architectures. The talk will also include a survey of research projects currently funded by the Program and explain the various stages that proposals go through after they are submitted for funding.

DATE: November 29, 2002, Friday @ 16:40
PLACE: EA-409