The role of the Center, as presently conceived, is to serve as a mechanism for obtaining and directing funds for PM research.

Funds will be distributed to those institutions and entities capable of conducting programs in powder metallurgy as well as meeting the industry's increasing need for scientifically trained personnel. Financial aid to students specializing in powder metallurgy could well play an important part in this area.

Sources of funding would include the private sector as well as government agencies. Here, Center funding might be used for "seed funding" purposes involving cooperative programs with government agencies or consortia of corporations. In all instances, however, the results of such funding will be for the benefit of the PM industry as a whole.

Research results or any other benefits of Center-funded programs will be distributed to members of the Center on a timely basis.