Sangtae Kim Delivers University of Houston's Rockwell Lecture
Sangtae Kim, Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head of Chemical Engineering and Distinguished Professor at the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, recently delivered the Rockwell Lecture titled, "Deliberate Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships: Excellence in Translational Research at Land Grant Universities." The lecture, held on Friday, October 18, focused on the role of “use-inspired research” in advancing societal impact through strategic collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
Kim, a renowned expert in the field, discussed the critical rise of translational research, often called "use-inspired research," even among agencies traditionally focused on basic science. This shift, while potentially challenging for the future of basic research funding, aligns with the mission of land-grant institutions like Purdue, which are dedicated to advancing knowledge for public benefit. Kim’s lecture highlighted Purdue's commitment to bridging the “valley of death” that often exists between laboratory discoveries and market-ready applications.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Kim shared insights into deliberate innovation strategies for large, capital-intensive projects, including:
- Transforming shale gases into liquid fuels as a sustainable energy alternative.
- Developing a groundbreaking manufacturing process for medical isotopes to support critical healthcare needs.
- Advancing drug discovery and development to address unmet medical challenges.
Dr. Kim concluded by addressing the challenges of maintaining a balance between fundamental and applied research in the modern academic landscape.
The Rockwell Lecture series is a prestigious platform for leaders in academia, industry, and government to discuss pressing topics at the intersection of science, technology, and public interest. Dr. Kim’s thought-provoking lecture underscored the importance of deliberate innovation and public-private partnerships as essential elements of translational research at land-grant universities.