What Is Science Works?

ScienceWorks is a consulting firm that helps people and organizations succeed in science and engineering research. Recognizing the worldwide importance of these fields, ScienceWorks is dedicated to the use of science and technology research and education as the foundation for innovation, quality of life, and economic vitality. The firm draws on a matrix of experts across many disciplines to provide guidance, review and evaluation for governments, institutions of higher education, non-profits and private industry, both domestic and international.

Services Include:

Strategic R&D Planning

• Identifying model or process for strategic planning
• Arranging, conducting and/or overseeing the process
• Preparing planning materials and other documentation
• Developing strategies for implementation, accountability and measurement

Research Program Evaluation and Assessment

• Organizing research teams of experts to review programs in selected fields or disciplines (e.g. neuroscience, social sciences, geosciences), departments and/or schools
• Providing analysis of strengths and weaknesses to set stage for strong program development
• Recommending means of broadening and strengthening programs
• Providing follow-up evaluations of actions

Grant Strategies and Review

• Identifying funding opportunities and contacts
• Providing in-depth understanding of research funding agencies, their review processes and priorities
• Assisting in pre-submission grant strategies and review and in post-award follow-up

Center Development: Coalitions and Partnerships for Interdisciplinary Activities

• Exploring opportunities to identify, develop and implement interdisciplinary teams and programs within and/or across institutions working on challenging transformative projects;
• Organizing workshops and symposia to catalyze research and education opportunities
• Identifying relevant and realistic opportunities for support
• Understanding agencies priorities and criteria for selection
• Advising on preparation of pre-proposals, proposals, site-visits and follow-up of strategic vision, implementation and reporting
• Building and facilitating coalitions and partnerships among academia, corporations, non-profits, and international entities to promote innovation, education and research

Workforce Development/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

• Developing and/or identifying policies and best practices for enlisting, engaging and retaining students in STEM fields
• Intensifying efforts towards enhancing under-represented groups’ participation
• Building new training programs and activities towards diversity of careers

International Alliances

• Identifying potential partners and assist in facilitating relationships and collaborations between researchers, departments and/or interdisciplinary programs and centers
• Exploring mechanisms for support
• Advising on Workshop development and implementation, including subject identification, potential speakers, and report of the proceedings

Research Ethics and Research Integrity

• Provides advice, instruction and course materials
• Promoting uniform research ethics and standards of professional conduct worldwide
• Understanding scientific integrity
• Institutional and individual requirements and responsibilities

These are samples of topics in our ScienceWorks portfolio. Our expert team can tackle almost any challenge or opportunity related to science and engineering research.

For more information, please contact us.

In Memoriam

At ScienceWorks we are sad to note the passing of one or our Advisory Council members, Dr. Robert C. Richardson. Our advisor since the inception of ScienceWorks and a valued friend to us all, Bob died unexpectedly on February 19, 2013 at his home in Ithaca, NY. He was 75. Bob, who was Floyd Newman Professor of Physics at Cornell University, shared the Nobel Prize in physics in 1996 for his work on superfluid helium. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, fellow of the American Physical Society, member of the National Academy of Sciences, foreign member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and member of the American Philosophical Society. He served on the National Science Board from 1998-2004 and on its Executive Committee from 2000-2004.

One of my favorite memories is from Bob’s tenure on the National Science Board. During a presentation I gave at one of their meetings, I used a Hubble Space Telescope photo as my slide background.  When he saw it, Bob became very animated. I knew the talk itself wasn’t that interesting, but Bob motioned for me to stop and then asked me to explain why that photo of deep space was so exciting. I looked at him, wearing his wonderful bowtie, and just smiled because I didn’t know what he wanted me to say. Bob got up and pointed to the areas of the photo that were dark. He informed the audience; “It isn’t what we can see, but what we don’t see that is everything!”

Bob leaves an emptiness on our board and in our hearts. He will be sorely missed.