Companies benefit from center

By Antonia Barber
Assignment Editor

Organizers of the Integrated Media Systems Center, the multimedia research center created from donations by The National Science Foundation, NASA, and the City of Los Angeles, are finalizing plans for distribution of the center's grant money.
The changes to the School of Engineering's Media Systems Center will transform it into the nation's only multimedia research program for engineering. USC was selected from among five other top research universities, said Max Nikias, director of the center.
"The IMSC is arguably the largest and one of the most ambitious research centers on campus," Nikias said.
"And the center has developed strategic partnerships with more than forty companies, who will benefit from the directed research, use of campus testbed facilities, employee education and opportunities for student internships."
The five-year, $12 million grant by the National Science Foundation was championed by Governor Pete Wilson. In a statement, he said the center will place California in the undisputed leadership position for technology development.
Wilson also committed a $500,000 direct cash match through the state's Trade and Commerce Office.
"I am very proud of IMSC's accomplishments," said Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan in a press release. "The USC program is a symbol of commitment and cooperation in our city."