Software giant Microsoft Corporation has established a $1 million research award to honor the memory of A. Richard Newton, dean of the College of Engineering from 2000 until his death earlier this year. The award was announced in July by Microsoft External Research & Programs (ER&P), Microsoft Research’s outreach arm to colleges and universities.

“Richard Newton’s advice, experience and participation in our activities over the years was respected and valued,” said Tom Healy, lead program manager of Microsoft ER&P. “Newton was an advocate of multidisciplinary research, and this research award reflects that point of view,” Healy added. Newton had been a longtime member of the Microsoft Research Technical Advisory Board and actively participated in its events.

Submissions are due in early December, and winners will be announced in March 2008. For details about appropriate types of projects and how to apply, go to http://research.microsoft.com/ur/us/fundingopps/default.aspx.