January 5, 2007 – Reston, VA – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will host several policy-related discussions at its Aerospace Sciences Meeting in Reno, Nevada, January 8-11.
On Wednesday, January 10, Richard Russell, assistant director for technology from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will provide an analysis of the new National Aeronautics R&D Policy. This national roadmap provides institutional support for robust, sustainable aeronautics research investment and requires federal agencies to set definable milestones for achievement.
“The administration should be congratulated for recognizing the importance that investment in aeronautics research and development plays in sustaining our national security and economic prosperity, as well as in providing safe and efficient transportation options to the public at large,” notes AIAA President Roger Simpson. “AIAA is delighted that the White House has chosen our Aerospace Sciences Meeting to engage the aerospace community with this new plan.”
Discussion will focus on federal research priorities regarding technologies that aid U.S. foreign and domestic policy needs. The session will highlight the approach to be taken for integrating the development of aeronautics R&D with aeronautics policy goals. Moreover, Russell’s presentation will focus on what the nation’s aerospace community can do today to begin to realize the goals defined by the new policy.
On Thursday, January 11, AIAA will hold a panel discussion on the future of America’s aerospace work force. This forum will focus on how academia, government and industry can collaborate to ensure that the next generation of aerospace workers enables the U.S. to retain its industry leadership.
“The goal of this panel is to initiate a plan to guide the nation’s development of aerospace professionals over the coming years,” AIAA President-Elect Dr. Paul Nielsen states. “Many studies have highlighted a growing crisis in the science and engineering work force in the United States. This forum will focus on the actions we can take to preserve and enhance our nation’s aerospace leadership for the future — and the most critical components of that future leadership are the innovative men and women we need to encourage, mentor and develop.”
Along with Dr. Nielsen, the panel will include Dr. Lisa Porter, Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Research at NASA, Dr. Robert Walters, president-elect of the Aerospace Department Chairman’s Association, and Dr. Annalisa Weigel, co-author of the book, The Job Seeker’s Report Card on the Aerospace Industry.
Headquartered in suburban Washington, DC, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) serves over 35,000 aerospace professionals in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia, private research organizations, and government and focuses on emerging technologies in aviation, space and defense.
Sharon Grace
Corporate Communications
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
703/264-7532
www.aiaa.org
