Dr. Raymond Lee Orbach will be the inaugural speaker for the re-introduction of “The Austin Forum on Science and Technology for Society” on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the ATandT Conference Center.
“Dr. Orbach is one of the most preeminent figures in energy research in the world,” said Jay Boisseau, director of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC). “New developments in energy research are required for addressing our growing demands for energy and its impact on the environment and climate. Austin is well positioned for leadership in energy research, and Ray is uniquely qualified to lead the university’s efforts in changing the world in this crucial area.”
Orbach is the new director of The University of Texas at Austin’s Energy Institute, a multi-disciplinary institute that combines the strengths of the university’s schools and colleges to advance solutions to today’s energy-related challenges. Prior to his new directorship, Orbach was the U.S. Department of Energy’s first undersecretary for science.
Orbach said he sees the Energy Institute as a unifying collaborator to help the university mobilize its faculty and academic resources, as well as talent from other institutions in The University of Texas System, to make “transformational changes in energy production and usage” of fossil fuel, renewable and nuclear energy resources. He said these changes would address threats to the economic future of Texas, the nation and the world.
The Austin Forum is a monthly speaker series and networking event that is free and open to the public. It will take place on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.austinforum.org.
The Austin Forum will host distinguished leaders and industry professionals like Orbach who will share their knowledge and experience about the confluence of science, technology and society in the 21st century.
WHAT: The Austin Forum on Science and Technology for Society / Dr. Ray Orbach
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. / Networking reception starts at 5:45 p.m.
WHERE: ATandT Conference Center Auditorium (room 204) / 1900 University Ave.
PARKING: Paid parking in the ATandT garage / After 5:30 p.m., free parking in state lots across MLK
