June 5, 2014
In the Spotlight
A report co-led by President Mitch Daniels on the future of U.S. human spaceflight is making headlines worldwide after its release Wednesday (June 4) morning in Washington, D.C.
Daniels co-chairs the National Research Council's Committee on Human Spaceflight. The committee's report, "Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration," is intended to examine the goals of the U.S. human spaceflight program and offer recommendations for a sustainable program moving forward.
Additional links
* "Pathways to Exploration" report
* Video summary of the "Pathways to Exploration" report
* The National Academies release
A roundup of national headlines
* NRC human spaceflight report says NASA strategy can't get humans to Mars -- Washington Post
* Mars or bust, says new report on NASA human space exploration -- Los Angeles Times
* Report says Mars missions achievable, but at what cost? -- CBS News
* Report: Mars mission is unaffordable now, but necessary -- USA Today
* Human space program review recommends U.S. focus on Mars -- Reuters
* U.S. panel sets sights on Mars -- Nature
Faculty and staff news
Whistleblower protection available to employees of government contractors, subcontractors and grant recipients has been enhanced through amendment of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.
This memo from Rob Wynkoop, managing director in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Business and Finance, Treasurer, is regarding additional WebCRD/Ariba training sessions being held by Xerox in June and August to cover the new job submission process. Purdue employees who order from Xerox as well as department approvers are encouraged to attend.
NVivo, popular qualitative research software designed to help researchers analyze unstructured data ranging from interview content and survey results to audio and video, is now available at no charge for faculty, staff and students on the West Lafayette campus. ITaP is ready to assist individuals interested in using the software.
Summer cleaning of parking garages at the West Lafayette campus will start Monday (June 9) in the north half of the Northwestern Avenue Garage and move to other garages through Aug. 4. Building Services will provide the cleaning from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., and daytime parking will not be affected.
The process for engaging Sign Center Services is changing.
The Purdue Employees Activity Program, a subcommittee of the Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee, is sponsoring a Day in Indy trip on June 21.
General news
Purdue is receiving a $10 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a program that will put the crop-saving PICS bags into the hands of more farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa countries to improve their food security and income.
The third Borlaug Summer Institute on Global Food Security will be held June 8-21 at Purdue. During the institute, 30 graduate students from across the country will take on the challenge of helping to find solutions to world hunger.
Purdue will begin offering a new on-campus housing option for academic guests this summer through a joint venture between the Office of the Provost, Housing and Food Services and the Purdue Research Foundation.
Research news
Researchers are reporting key milestones in developing new semiconductors to potentially replace silicon in future computer chips and for applications in flexible electronics.
A Purdue-led research team has figured out how to disable a part of the SARS virus responsible for hiding it from the immune system -- a critical step in developing a vaccine against the deadly disease.
The humble sewing machine could play a key role in creating "soft" robotics, wearable electronics and implantable medical systems made of elastic materials that are capable of extreme stretching.
Purdue researchers in the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and College of Veterinary Medicine received almost $150,000 from the Trask Innovation Fund to develop their work.
Here is a list of research studies that currently are looking for participants.
Purdue sports
Season tickets for both the 2014-15 Purdue men's and women's basketball seasons are now available through the Purdue Athletic ticket office.
The Big Ten Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference announced the women's basketball matchups for the 2014 ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday, unveiling a Dec. 3 matchup between Purdue and Florida State.
For more information on Purdue sports, go to www.purduesports.com.
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