We are currently experiencing a golden age in materials engineering, marked by significant advancements in materials science, semiconductors, nanotechnology, and computational power. These developments have opened entirely new areas of materials science, allowing us to translate scientific knowledge into real-world applications. In this era of new technologies like AI, advanced computing, and next generation displays, the role of materials engineering and research has never been more exciting and crucial. As a candidate for the Board, I am dedicated to advancing materials research and providing an industrial perspective that connects various interdisciplinary stakeholders. I have always been a strong believer in the Science-Technology Spiral (H. Casimir) with fundamental science creating openings for new technology but then improved technology creating opportunities for new science. With my extensive network and expertise, I aim to contribute to the forefront of materials engineering, enabling new possibilities and driving innovation.
In my career, I have witnessed firsthand how great scientific research lays the foundation for transformative technology. As a Board member, I will prioritize initiatives that foster a collaborative environment, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote impactful research. Bridging the gap between research institutions and industry is crucial for translating scientific advancements into real-world applications. By expediting the translation process, we ensure the relevance and impact of our research.
At Applied Materials, I have had the privilege of chairing the Engineering Technology conference for the past decade. This conference is one of the highest-level engineering events in the industry, bringing together interdisciplinary participants from academia, corporations, startups, and experts such as Dean Kamen, Bob Langer, Emmanuel Charpentier, Pat Gelsinger, Henry Samueli, Rafael Reif. It has been a platform to foster innovation, celebrate engineering achievements, and encourage research and innovation beyond the short-term business focuses of day-to-day operations. I am ready to bring my knowledge and experience in leading such industrial events to the MRS community.
I have been passionate about fostering industrial-academic collaboration to create new areas of technology and new business opportunities. I firmly believe that interdisciplinary cooperation is key to pushing the boundaries of materials science. Throughout my career, I have initiated the first OLED projects in Europe in the early nineties, and organized workshops on various topics, including quantum computing, silicon photonics, and metasurface-based optics. These seminars have brought together research institutes, startups, and corporations, allowing us to collectively address technological challenges and drive innovation. Through collaboration projects with esteemed institutions like Stanford and National Taiwan University, we have successfully advanced simulation and verification efforts for new concepts. I am dedicated to expanding these collaborations within the MRS community, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
Startups play a vital role in driving innovation, and I am committed to empowering them through the MRS platform. By offering necessary resources, coaching, and networking opportunities, we can provide an entrepreneurial ecosystem for startups to thrive. I believe that by facilitating collaboration and introducing meaningful connections, we can unlock new discoveries, accelerate innovation, and tackle complex challenges collectively. Supporting startups will not only fuel their growth but also contribute to the overall advancement of materials research.
I am deeply honored to be considered for a position on the Board of the MRS. I firmly believe that MRS plays a critical role in advancing materials science, and I am committed to contributing my expertise, experience, and passion to further its mission. By driving interdisciplinary collaboration, industrial-academic partnerships, and support for startups, we can shape the future of materials research, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact on society. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the MRS community and contribute to its continued success.