A natural consequence of having transnational vBNS networks anchored at STAR TAP is international collaborative research riding on the high-speed link. The team of managers from International Programs at NSF played a very important role as catalysts. They and their peers at partner countries made the physical network linkage and new research collaborations possible. At the urging of the NSC, they were at the NCHC to speak on their experiences during the workshop and the bilateral review meetings. Dr. William Chang's delineation of policies for fostering international research collaborations was very insightful and helpful to scientists seeking patinas. He is the Senior Program Manager for this region and a proponent of the vBNS link between Taiwan and the US. A very attentive audience also appreciated Mr. Douglas Gatchell's account of managing the High Performance Connection Program at the NSF. He gave a talk on "Information Technologies for the 21^st Century." He gave a brief summary of the Next Generation Internet programs that are in place in the United States: Internet2 and STAR TAP, SuperNet Testbeds and a more recent initiative by PITAC, the IT2. He also emphasized vision, leadership and responsibility in planning and implementing a grand scale national program. A good strategic plan must serve a dual purpose of accomplishing more with less funding, less resources and less energy. Mr. Gatchell is a much experienced IT Manager in the Division of Advanced Computational Infrastructure and Research, Computer and Information Science and Engineering.

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