August 8, 2016

Discovery Park head named to National Academies board

Tomás Diáz de la Rubia Tomás Diáz de la Rubia
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Tomás Diáz de la Rubia, chief scientist and executive director of Purdue University's Discovery Park, has been named a member of a national board to discuss science and technology issues of importance to the nation's intelligence community.

At the request of the director of national intelligence (DNI), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has created a new Intelligence Community Studies Board (ICSB). The ICSB will work with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to develop independent studies, workshops and other activities.

"Nowhere is the intersection of science and quality of life more critical than in the area of intelligence and national security," Díaz de la Rubia said. "This board will be a resource to help harness science and information in a way that enhances our security, which is ultimately the foundation upon which all of our societal achievements are built."

According to the National Academies Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, the ICSB will:

* Conduct periodic meetings to discuss issues of importance and visit various facilities to stay abreast of intelligence community requirements, challenges, emerging issues, and research and development programs.

* Provide a governance structure for the board's activities, including an annual review of the Intelligence Science and Technology Experts Group program; offer guidance and recommendations for symposium topics; and, as needed, formulate meetings of experts on topics of interest to the intelligence community.

* Serve as a source for possible study and workshop topics, and develop studies and workshops authorized by the intelligence community.

* Ensure the dissemination of scientific and engineering knowledge through briefings to the intelligence community, government agencies and, when appropriate, to the public.

Díaz de la Rubia, who came to Purdue last August, was previously an energy and resources industry executive at Deloitte Consulting LLP. Before that he was chief research officer and deputy director for science and technology at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he was responsible for the excellence and long-term success of the laboratory's $1.6 billion annual research portfolio. From 2002-2009 he served as the lab's associate director, overseeing its chemistry, materials science, life sciences, and energy and environmental sciences organizations, as well as the Laboratory's Department of Energy's Office of Science Programs. 

Source: Tomás Diáz de la Rubia, 765-496-6625, tddlr@purdue.edu

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