ASME hosts industry and technology briefing

ASME and several other engineering and science societies convened a congressional briefing, "NIST: Supporting Industry and Promoting Technology," last month in Washington, D.C.

The event was co-sponsored by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials), the Alliance for Science and Technology Research in America, the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

The briefing highlighted the important role the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays in growing industry and developing technology. NIST influence is extended through world-class laboratory facilities and grant programs that use cost-sharing mechanisms to perform early-stage development of innovative, but high-risk, technology. NIST also supports voluntary standardization efforts and provides technical expertise.

In opening remarks at the event, House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Chairman David Wu, D-Ore., and Ranking Member Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., discussed NIST's unique contribution to the safety, growth, and development of the U.S. economy. Congressmen Wu and Gingrey sit on the committee with congressional oversight of NIST and helped pass the first reauthorization bill for the organization in 15 years.

Speakers at the briefing included F.M. Ross Armbrecht, executive director of the Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education; William Jeffrey, director of NIST; and Wade Troxell, associate dean for research and economic development at Colorado State University. Each speaker provided examples of NIST's impact on the lives of everyday citizens, through its partnerships with university, industry, and other government agencies.

Troxell is an ASME member and a former senior vice president of the Knowledge and Communities Sector. Jim Coaker, chairman of Coaker and Co., and member of ASME's Board of Governors, moderated the session.

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