Astrophysics is truly one of the rarities in the physical sciences, as it has managed to branch between hard academia and the general public like no other in our modern technological age (Nova and PBS Specials, The Discovery Channel, and Big Bang Theory alike). The proof is in the cosmic pudding – unlike most any other branch of science, I can tell you that “one of the world’s most famous astrophysicists is coming to give a lecture in Syracuse” and you’re likely asking yourself “Neil DeGrass Tyson? Brian Cox? Stephen Hawking?” Try putting a name list together in any other field!
It is with that analysis in mind that I’m forwarding here an announcement from the TACNY email listserve about the “NEXT: The Event for Technology, Manufacturing & Innovation” conference happening this coming Tuesday, November 19th at the Holiday Inn Syracuse-Liverpool. The event, sponsored by the Central New York Technology Development Organization (TDO) and the CASE Center on the Syracuse University campus, features two keynote speakers. The first, “Making it in America – Shifting Economics Create New Opportunities,” is by Harry Moser of The Reshoring Initiative. The second, perhaps more relevant to readers of the blog, is none other than Hayden Planetarium directory and all-around exponent of science Neil deGrasse Tyson.
The Event for Technology, Manufacturing & Innovation
Come. Be Inspired. Leave Smarter.
In its second year, NEXT is a technology, manufacturing and innovation conference where fast-track companies meet and learn from top-notch business leaders and industry experts. The dynamic full-day program boasts two world class keynotes in Neil deGrasse Tyson and Harry Moser; and delivers educational workshops in concurrent tracks (Innovation & Commercialization, Manufacturing Excellence, Technology Trends and Entrepreneurship)
“Making it in America – Shifting Economics Create New Opportunities” – The morning keynote, Harry Moser, President/Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, will discuss the broad resurgence of American manufacturing. Delivering insights into the trend, what types of products are leading the charge, and what the new American manufacturing industry might look like.
“Reaching for the Stars” – The luncheon keynote speaker, Neil deGrasse Tyson, is an internationally renowned astrophysicist, science policy advisor, media personality and Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium. He will explore the state of science literacy in America today and the critical importance of continued government and industry investment in fundamental scientific research for the long-term economic health of the country.
You can register for the event at next-syr.eventbrite.com/. While the registration fee is not insignificant, this is an all-day conference highlighting a multitude of technology and manufacturing industries and projects happening in CNY (I refer you to the event program HERE). That said, I already know of one or two people who registered just for NdGT’s keynote (abstract below):
So many of the technologies and products we take for granted, from freeze drying to scratch-resistant lenses to solar cells, are a direct result of research done during the “space race” in the ’50s thru ’70s. No one knows where the next breakthrough discovery will come from! Join astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as he explores the state of science literacy in America today and the critical importance of continued government and industry investment in fundamental scientific research for the long-term economic health of the country. What is the short- and long-term future of the aerospace industry, and how will that future impact the broader economy, and our day to day lives? Only by reaching for the stars, continuing to explore every aspect of the world and the universe, can we build a solid foundation for the next generation’s industry and economy.
Speaker Bio: Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium, is an internationally renowned astrophysicist, science policy advisor, and media personality. A thought-leader in science and technology, Dr. Tyson has served on Presidential commissions on the future of the US Aerospace Industry and continues to serve on NASA’s Advisory Council. He has received eighteen honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. He has written countless professional papers as well as ten books, including New York Times bestseller Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet, and The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist. Among his many television and media appearances, he hosted PBS-NOVA’s mini-series Origins, the NSF-funded pilot radio program StarTalk, and is currently working on a 21st century reboot of Carl Sagan’s landmark television series COSMOS, to air in 2014. Tyson was voted Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive by People Magazine in 2000.
