; (6) voter practices regarding the verification of ballots generated by ballot-marking devices and the likelihood that voters, both with and without disabilities, will recognize errors or omissions with respect to such ballots; and (7) such other topics as the Director determines to be appropriate and related to the integrity of elections. (b) Elections systems research center (1) In general The Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, shall award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to establish at least 1 multidisciplinary center for elections systems research and education. (2) Consortia A consortia receiving an award under this subsection may include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, private sector entities, and State and local election officials. (3) Purpose The purpose of a center established with a grant awarded under this subsection shall be to— (A) conduct basic research to advance understanding of cyber and other threats to election systems and the conduct of secure, fair, and accessible elections; (B) conduct research that may inform the development of technologies, processes, and policies that contribute to more secure, fair, and accessible elections; (C) educate and train students studying in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to conduct research relevant to election systems; (D) design curricula that address the growing organizational management and information technology needs of the election community