Purpose
The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) provides strategic guidance, vision alignment, and governance oversight for the NSF IUCRC Digital Twin Research, Innovation & Collaboration Hub (DT-RICH).
The IAB ensures that all research activities remain industry-relevant, use-inspired, and aligned with the needs of member organizations. Its responsibilities include:
- Defining research priorities based on real operational challenges.
- Reviewing, selecting, and voting on research projects to be supported by the Center.
- Evaluating project progress and providing feedback to ensure technical quality and real-world applicability.
- Advising on long-term strategy, membership development, and sustainability of the Center.
- Promoting technology transition, commercialization potential, and pathways to operational deployment.
The IAB plays a critical role in shaping the Center’s scientific direction and ensuring that research outcomes deliver tangible value to partners.
Members
IAB membership consists of representatives from organizations that hold IUCRC membership in DT-RICH. Members include:
- Industry partners
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare, infrastructure, engineering, environmental, and space-sector collaborators
Each full member organization designates at least one representative to serve on the IAB.
- Full Members receive one vote on Center business and project selection.
- Associate Members receive half a vote.
The IAB collaborates directly with researchers from Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Harvard University to ensure multi-institutional coordination of research activities.
Meeting Schedule
In accordance with NSF IUCRC requirements, the IAB convenes on a regular and structured schedule to guide strategic and project-level decisions.
1. Semiannual IAB Meetings (NSF-Required)
Held twice per year, these meetings include:
- Review of all active research projects
- Presentation of new project proposals
- Voting on project continuation, selection, and funding
- Strategic discussion on future research directions
These meetings occur at rotating locations across partner institutions or may be hosted virtually.
2. Quarterly Check-In Meetings
Optional quarterly virtual sessions may be held to:
- Update members on project progress
- Discuss emerging industry challenges
- Identify timely collaboration opportunities
3. Ad Hoc Working Group Meetings
Working groups or technical committees may convene as needed to:
- Support specialized research themes (e.g., geospatial analytics, public health, space systems)
- Provide rapid feedback on prototypes, datasets, or pilot studies
- Facilitate collaboration between researchers and member organizations
4. Annual Strategic Planning Session
Once per year, the IAB participates in an extended planning session to:
- Assess center performance
- Refine the research roadmap
- Review membership structure and engagement
- Plan cross-institutional or cross-sector partnerships
The IAB is essential to DT-RICH’s success, ensuring that the Center remains industry-driven, strategically focused, and impactful. Through structured engagement and shared governance, the IAB guides the Center’s vision, research investments, and real-world outcomes.