Where: Bldg 9, Lecture Hall 2325
Description
With a forecasted 2.8% of its GDP invested in research and development (R&D) in 2014, the U.S. is a key player in science and technology research and helps to lead global science policy. This strong commitment to R&D has been heavily influenced by the U.S. federal government. In particular, for 2014, the U.S. federal government is predicted to spend 123 billion USD on R&D (Battelle, 2014 Global R&D Funding Forecast, 2013). Within the broader research context, the U.S. has identified several national priority areas that include the food-energy-water nexus, neuroscience, advanced manufacturing, big data, and others. Given the U.S.’ and international position in R&D, these national priorities play a large role in shaping increasingly global research priorities. Yet, the process for determining these priorities is not always clear. For many, these “hot” research topics appear to be selected at random. Indeed, this process is organic; however, it is also orchestrated and provides researchers the power to help identify and shape new emerging research opportunities. This lecture will provide an overview of the U.S.’ investment in R&D and mechanisms of support, forecast research priorities guiding future U.S. investments and new funding opportunities requiring large scale partnerships, and highlight the challenges and shifting U.S. research policies which impact KAUST partners. Building on this foundation, the lecture will explore the role science and technology in the shaping of U.S. policy and what successful outcomes look like.
April L. Burke
April Burke is the President and Founder of Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, a Washington, D.C. government relations and consulting firm representing major universities and scientific research organizations including the California Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois System, the University of Southern California, and the Association of Independent Research Institutes. Ms. Burke’s past work includes 30 years of experience in legislative and regulatory analysis in areas related to science and engineering research, technology transfer, health and health research policy, higher education, and intellectual property. She is a veteran Washington, D.C. attorney with experience on both Capitol Hill and in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to establishing Lewis-Burke, Ms. Burke was a Vice President at Hill and Knowlton, a worldwide public affairs and public relations firm. She has served as Project Director and Legislative Counsel for the Association of American Universities, and she was an attorney with the law firm of Ballard, Spahr, Andrews and Ingersoll. A graduate of George Washington University National Law Center, Ms. Burke was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in 1978 and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 1979. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 1974, where she was Phi Beta Kappa.
Michael L. Ledford
Michael Ledford is the Vice President for Client Management and Partner at Lewis-Burke Associates LLC. With 15 years of experience at the firm, Mr. Ledford has successfully led numerous strategies to create and shape federal programs and initiatives in areas such as energy and environment, computing, astronomy, physics, social sciences, healthcare, neuroscience, economic development, and higher education. Mr. Ledford also works at the federal level to foster new policies and programs associated with university-industry-government partnerships. Mr. Ledford has shepherded several large national and international scientific facilities through U.S. administrative and legislative processes and engaged in efforts to influence federal policies on issues ranging from immigration to cost sharing and technology transfer. In addition to his activities at the firm, Mr. Ledford has served in leadership roles in national research and education coalitions, participated on the board of non-profit organizations, and presented to university faculty, senior administrators, and boards of trustees throughout the country. Mr. Ledford holds a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in political science from American University in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies.
No resources found.
No links found.
