NSF director to address changing role of scientists

NSF director to address changing role of scientists

BY JENNIFER EVANS
Rice News staff

The director of the National Science Foundation, Arden Bement, will be the inaugural speaker in the Civic Scientist Lecture Series, a new series presented by the Science and Technology Policy Program at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.

The Nov. 9 lecture, titled “When the Jobs in the Nation Change, So Does the Job of the Scientist,” will begin at 6 p.m. in the Doré Commons, James A. Baker III Hall.

A civic scientist, as defined by Neal Lane, Baker Institute senior fellow in science and technology, is a scientist who uses his or her knowledge, accomplishments and analytical skills to help bridge the gap between science and society. Bement, a metallurgical engineer and materials scientist, exemplifies these principles through his many contributions to public service, most recently as former director of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, and in his current role at the National Science Foundation, which he assumed in November 2004.

Bement’s long and distinguished career include positions in private industry, academia and government, including at General Electric, Battelle Northwest Labs, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University and the Department of Defense.

The Civic Scientist Lecture Series is a collection of talks by leading scientists who have impacted public policy. The goal of the series is to expose scientists and future scientists to the idea that their roles expand outside of the laboratory. The series also gives the general public an opportunity to see accomplished scientists discuss their fields.

Support for this program was provided by the Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation Inc.

Those interested in attending should R.S.V.P. by Nov. 3 to
<bipprsvp@rice.edu> or by fax to 713-348-5993.