Abstract

Responding effectively to the global climate challenge will require the rapid deployment of tools and technologies we have now, and will also require inventing, developing, and deploying tools and technologies not yet in hand. What are the special responsibilities of research universities in meeting the climate innovation challenge? In this talk I will discuss different ways for universities to engage in climate-related research, education, and innovation, including the case of nuclear energy technology.

Panelists

1. Richard K. Lester, Associate Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Japan Steel Industry Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Lefteri Tsoukalas, Professor and former Head of the School of Nuclear Engineering.
3. Morgan Smith, Senior Nuclear Engineering; President of Purdue Chapter of Women In Nuclear (WIN); Vice President of Purdue Chapter of American Nuclear Society (ANS).

Moderator

1. Seungjin Kim, Capt. James McCarthy, Jr. and Cheryl E. McCarthy Head of the School of Nuclear Engineering and Professor of Nuclear Engineering

Biography

Richard Lester is Associate Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he oversees the international activities of the Institute.  Dr. Lester is the Japan Steel Industry Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering and previously served as head of the MIT Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. Professor Lester’s research focuses on innovation, productivity, and industrial competitiveness, and he is also well known for his work on nuclear technology innovation, management and policy. Professor Lester’s most recent book, Unlocking Energy Innovation, with David M. Hart, outlines a strategy for mobilizing America’s innovation resources in support of the transition to an affordable, reliable low-carbon global energy system. He is the author or co-author of seven other books, including The Productive Edge -- A New Strategy for Economic Growth, Innovation -- The Missing Dimension (with Michael Piore); and Making Technology Work: Applications in Energy and the Environment (with John M. Deutch.)  He recently completed a term as as chair of the National Academies’ Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy, and he currently serves as chair of the Nuclear Energy Agency’s Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology, and Policy.

Hosted by the College of Engineering and the School of Nuclear Engineering.