Of Perspectives, Issues, and Politics in Materials Technology
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Of Perspectives, Issues, and Politics in Materials Technology
NATHAN E. PROMISEL
Recognizing the pervasive importance of materials science and engineering (MSE) to practically every facet of man's life, this lecture takes a broad view of the origin and technical trends and achievements in MSE, briefly reviewing its history and relationship to society over many millennia, to the present day, with specific examples. Major emphasis, however, is placed on modern MSE as related to current national issues, using as illustrations of the latter natural resources, industry and the economy, research and development, education, and technology transfer. The discussion of these areas leads to consideration of the role of the Federal Government and the importance of and need for a coherent national policy to deal with critical issues, many of which are listed herein. Some important steps by the Government fostering high level coordination as well as cooperation among government, industry, and academe are cited. Having thus illustrated the pervasive and vital impact of MSE on society, and its current esteemed recognition and position of influence, the lecture9 concludes that in this period of global change--social, economic, and technological--there ig a challenge to MSE to respond beneficially to societal needs more than ever before. The opportunity and mechanisms now exist. Greater participation in the public and political arenas, with mutual education, is indicated.
NATHAN E. PROMISEL received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, did his doctorate work at Yale University, and received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering Degree at Michigan Technological University. He became Assistant Lab Director at International Silver Company, leaving in 1940, and Chief Materials Scientist and Engineer (aeronautics and weapons) and Materials Research Coordinator for the Department of the Navy, leaving in 1966. He is presently an International Consultant. Dr. Promisel has been a long-time member of the National Materials Advisory Board of the National Academies of Science and Engineering, and from 1966 to 1974 was its Executive Director. He was also a Member of the Office of Technology Assessment (Congress) Materials Advisory Committee, as well as Chairman or Member of numerous other GovernMETALLURGICAL TRANSACTIONS A
ment and public technical groups. These included being Chairman of the U.S. Group for the Science Exchange Program with the U.S.S.R., for materials and electrometallurgy, and serving as Chairman of the NATO Aerospace Research Group (Materials and Structures). Dr. Promisel is a member of the National Academy of Engineering; Past President, Fellow, and Honorary Member, American Society for Metals; Past President and Founding Member of the Federation of Materials Societies; Honorary Member of AIME, ASTM, and SAE (Materials Division); Fellow of British Institute of Metals and SAMPE. He has presented distinguished lectures to The Electrochemical Society and ASTM. Dr. Pro
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