The Office of Naval Research’s Innovation Lecture Series

Dr. Posner presents Wed, March 31, from 1-2:30pm. The event is free and open to the public.

By Dr. Larry Schuette

March 29, 2010 - One of my roles as the Director of Innovation at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) is to facilitate discussion and collaboration amongst scientists and engineers at ONR, across the Naval Research Enterprise, DoD, industry, and academia. We have several approaches to initiating these types of exchanges – one way is via our Innovation Lecture Series which is comprised of three different types of lectures.

The first lecture series is intended to highlight the fine work and accomplishments of our Navy scientists and engineers. Twice in the past two years we have hosted the Assistant Secretary of the Navy recipients as the speakers for this series.

The next lecture series is our ‘Distinguished Lecture Series’. These slots are generally set aside for individuals who are well known as the pioneers and inventors of their field of research, who have been recognized by high level awards (Nobel Laureates, etc), publications, distinguished and emeritus status at their Universities, etc. We’ve also expanded this category to include highly decorated and respected service men and women, such as General James Mattis who is the Commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command – we are honored to host him next month on April 29th.

The final lecture series is our ‘International Lecture Series’ which is intended to gain insight into the innovative research that is happening abroad. Last year we hosted two International Lecture Series, both focused on Innovation in China and India and the great achievements they have made over the past decade.

THIS Wednesday, March 31, from 1:00 – 2:30, we are hosting Dr. Michael Posner. Dr. Posner is a recipient of the 2009 National Medal of Science, the highest honor given by the U.S. government to scientists, engineers, and inventors. He is a Cognitive Neuroscientist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Oregon. The topic of his lecture will be, “Attention as an Organ System: Implications for Education, Training, and Rehabilitation”.

This event is open to the public – you can register at our Events website. Also visit our Innovation website to learn more about what we are up to and join the ‘IN’ Network to stay connected.

About the Author: Dr. Larry Schuette is an electrical engineer and the Director of Innovation at the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Virginia. He has spent 20 years working in Naval Research and attributes his abilities as the Navy’s lead for science and technology innovation to his love for building and creating things.