Technology leader to speak at Purdue on role of science today

Norman Augustine Download Photo

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Norman Augustine, a leader in the fields of technology and defense for more than 50 years, will speak April 10 at Purdue University. 

Purdue's Global Policy Research Institute is sponsoring Augustine's lecture, "The Growing Role - and Problems - Facing Science and Engineering," at its second annual C.N.R. Rao Global Science Policy Leadership Lecture, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Fowler Hall. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by CERIAS - Purdue's Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security.

 "Norman Augustine is a distinguished leader in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, and he has seen first hand the need for that education to go beyond the halls of higher education and into the workforce," said Dennis Depew, GPRI's interim director. "Having served in such a variety of roles, he can share his experiences and knowledge of the importance of science on the world stage, as well as what issues it needs to address."

A Princeton aeronautical engineering graduate, Augustine spent much of his career working with the U.S. government, including service as assistant director of Defense Research and Engineering in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Other governmental appointments include assistant secretary of the Army and acting secretary of the Army. He served for 16 years on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and he is a member of the advisory board of the Departments of Homeland Security and Energy.

Augustine was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States, and he is a five-time recipient of the highest civilian decoration, The Distinguished Service Medal, from the Department of Defense.

Augustine has achieved renown in industry as CEO of the Martin Marietta Corp. and Lockheed Martin.  He is a former member of the board of directors of several major corporations, and has served in a leadership role in variety of organizations and associations such as the American Red Cross and National Academy of Engineering.

"Mr. Augustine's incredible record of achievement in government and industry provides him with a unique perspective on global challenges," said Eugene H. Spafford, executive director of CERIAS. "His address will provide insights of lasting value to the Purdue community."

This lecture series honors Purdue alumnus and global policy leader C.N.R. Rao. Rao is an advocate for greater scientific collaboration between the United States and India. As part of India's Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Rao's primary interests are solid state and materials chemistry. He also is immediate past president of The Academy of Science for the Developing World and a member of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.    

The Global Policy Research Institute enhances the visibility and impact of Purdue University's strengths in policy-related and multidisciplinary research, education, service and outreach to inform decision-makers on global policy issues.

CERIAS is the nation's premier interdisciplinary academic center for research and education in cyber security, privacy and cybercrime investigations.

Writer: Morgan Stephens, 765-490-4855, morganlstephens@gmail.com

Media Contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Sources: Dennis Depew, 765-496-3844, depew@purdue.edu