Nebraska Research and Innovation Conference
This day-long annual meeting, co-sponsored by NE EPSCoR, is held in Omaha and Lincoln on alternating years each fall. The NRIC brings together University science faculty and businesses in Nebraska and provides the opportunity for researchers to hear from distinguished speakers and exchange ideas. The Conference also provides the opportunity for college students to showcase their research and interact with researchers and business leaders. YNSI will sponsor NRIC attendance for ten high school teams consisting of one science teacher and up to three students in order to promote student interest in science, knowledge of cutting edge scientific research, and familiarity with University science programs. The first day will include attendance of NRIC research and business strands and student poster presentations, and the second day will include visits to local universities’ science facilities.
Stipend: A stipend of $150 will be provided to teachers (or their respective school districts) to offset the costs for substitute teachers and travel (2 days). Costs for food and lodging will be provided by YNSI. Teachers’ and students’ personal spending are their own responsibility.
Eligibility and Application Process: Teachers must be current science teachers in a Nebraska high school. Interested teachers should complete the application form, obtain a letter of support from their principal, respond to the provided essay topic, and submit completed materials by September 15. Applicants are encouraged to complete the application procedure by the submission deadline, or as early as possible. Complete applications will be reviewed and invitations extended on a rolling basis beginning September 22 and continue until all ten positions are filled. All application materials are available as fill able forms at the Downloadable Forms link. Forms can also be requested by contacting the YNSI Coordinator.
Teachers and/or school districts will competitively recruit student participants once teachers are notified of selection. A teacher/school district may bring up to three students (two minimum) to the Conference. One student spot is open to the school’s choice, and the second and third student spots must be minority students or potential first generation students to promote diversity.
Location and Housing: NRIC is held in Omaha and Lincoln on alternating years. The 2008 Conference is scheduled to take place in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Hotel. Overnight accommodations will be provided at the Conference hotel or at a hotel in close proximity to the Conference itself.
