2018 Erich Bloch Symposium: Accelerating Innovation for a Regenerative Economy

8:30 AM               Registration and Breakfast                        

Welcome and Overview

9:30 – 9:45           Welcome: Robin Schulze, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of English, University at Buffalo   

9:45 – 10:00        Overview:  Krishna Rajan, Erich Bloch Chair; and Empire Innovation Professor, Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo 

Why Do Materials Matter?  And Why Do Material Scientists Matter?
                                 

Session One  |  Materials Matter: From Molecules to Neighborhoods

Moderator: David Castillo, Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures and Director, Humanities Institute, University at Buffalo        

This session explores how innovations in materials science can lead to positive societal impact in areas such as health, energy, and environmental sustainability. The Materials Design and Innovation department’s highly interdisciplinary activities demonstrate the application of fundamental research to education, economic development, and industry / community engagement.

10:00 – 10:45      Keynote

Michael Ward, Silver Chair Professor of Chemistry; and Director, Molecular Design Institute, New York University

Fact Driven Science Policy: A Case Study of Crystalline Insecticides

We recently reported the discovery of a new form of the contact insecticide DDT that is a good example of scientific research that involves a convergence of materials science and biology. Our work suggests a unique opportunity to innovate more effective formulations that not only are more lethal but may be less susceptible to resistance development. However our recent discovery of this new form of DDT have led some to attempt to peddle a false narrative to restore the reputation of this notorious insecticide and about  the history of pesticide regulation, disseminating rhetorical arguments aimed at affecting responses to climate change science. The misuse of DDT science in order to influence public policy is discussed.

10:45 – 11:30      MDI Jamboree I: Poster Speakers                             

Two minute ‘flash presentations’ by MDI students to communicate the innovative aspects of their research and why it matters for a regenerative economy.  The poster session at the end of the day provides an opportunity for students to explain their research in more detail.

11:45-12:45         Lunch

Session Two  |  Materials Matter: Emerging Trends and Opportunities       

Moderator: Grace Wang, Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, State University of New York; and Professor, Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo

Science for the public good: how can national research priorities and agenda help with community advancement?  Developing research agendas and approaches that are more intentional in solving community challenges.

1:00 – 2:00           Keynote

           Linda Sapochak; Director, Division of Materials Research, National Science Foundation

Big Idea Challenges for Materials Research

Today materials researchers have a higher responsibility to help the world meet the challenges facing society.  Although materials research has expanded to include several disciplines and is inherently “interdisciplinary”, this is not enough.  The requirements have increased due to the growing complexity of societal problems and their solutions.  An overview of the NSF Big Ideas and related materials challenges will be presented.

2:00 – 4:00           Panel Discussion

The 4^th Industrial Economy: Trends and opportunities for renewable energy, green materials, and resource conservation.

Invited Speakers:

Mark Shima, President, Panasonic ECO Solutions Solar of New York
Frits Abell, Managing Director, Echo Creative Ventures, Inc.
Jonathan Bird, Professor and Chair, Department of Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo
Kemper Lewis, Professor and Chair, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Director, Sustainable Manufacturing and Advanced Robotic Technologies, University at Buffalo

4:00 – 5:00           MDI Jamboree II: Poster Session   (Refreshments served / group picture)

8:00 – 9:00          Registration, Breakfast

Session Three  |  Enabling a Regenerative Economy

The building blocks of a regenerative economy: how do scientists, academics, NGO’s, community and corporate activists work on the various components of a regenerative economy?

Moderator: Krishna Rajan, Erich Bloch Chair, Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo

10:00 – 10:45      Keynote

Don Sadoway, John F. Elliott Professor of Materials Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Understanding the Science of Materials to Generate Disruptive Technologies: The Liquid Metal Batteries Story

10:45 – 11:30      Invited Talks

Payal Sampat, Mining Program Director, Earthworks

Non-renewable Resources for Renewable Technologies- A Critical Assessment

Sheila Davis, Executive Director, Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition

Moving Toward a Just and Sustainable Solar Industry and the Benefits of Designing a Circular Economy

11:25 – 11:45    Group Photo (second floor atrium)

11:45 – 12:30      Lunch

Session Four  |  Innovation with Intent

This session provides different views on the development and use of materials in from a systems perspective.

          Moderator: Krishna Rajan, Erich Bloch Chair, Department of Materials Design & Innovation; University at Buffalo

12:30 – 1:15        Keynote

William Petuskey, Professor, School of Molecular Sciences; and Director, Advanced Materials Initiatives, Arizona State University

Materials for a regenerative economy

1:15 – 2:00           Invited Talks

Mark Rossi, Executive Director, Clean Production Action

The Safer Chemicals and Chemical Footprint Project

David Furrer, Senior Fellow Discipline Lead, Pratt and Whitney; and incoming President of ASM International, the Materials Information Society

Data Needs for Materials Processing

Session Five  |  Re-Imagining Industry within a Regenerative Economy

Will the 4th Industrial Economy inevitably bring with it some negative consequences (environmental impact, labor displacement, income inequality) or will it better position us to address complex societal challenges like climate change, poverty, health and well-being?

Moderator: Christina Orsi,  Associate Vice President, Economic Development, University at Buffalo

2:00 – 2:45           Keynote

Helga Vanthournout, Senior Expert, Center for the Business and the Environment, McKinsey & Company, Geneva, Switzerland

The View from the World Economic Forum: Circular Economies

2:45 – 3:30           Invited Talks

John Fullerton, Founder and President, Capital Institute

Regenerative Capitalism: Implications for Emerging Economies, and its Potential Impact on Industrial Regions like Buffalo Niagara

Charles Ruffing, Director, New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, Rochester Institute for Technology

Implications for a Regional Circular Economy

3:30 – 3:45             Break

Session Six  |  Mapping Pathways to Solution

A holistic approach to developing safer options to hazardous chemicals in products, manufacturing, and supply chains.  This panel will highlight the current challenges with hazardous chemicals and materials management in the value chain – especially in the electronic and building product sectors – and identify solutions for accelerating the substitution of hazard chemicals with safer solutions.

Moderator: Alexandra McPherson, Principal, Niagara Share

3:45 – 5:00           Panel Discussion

Lauren Asplen; Director, Healthy Sustainability Program, BlueGreen Alliance

Engaging Front-line Workers in Identifying Energy Efficiency Opportunities

Ken Geiser, Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Sustainable Production and Industrial Development

Sarah O’Brien, Director, Clean Electronics Production Network

Clean Production Electronics Network’s Approach to Industry-wide Innovation - A Model for the ‘Factory of the Future’

Jim Vallette, Research Director, Health Building Network

Creating a Chemical and Material Library to Advance Green Building Materials

5:00 – 7:00           Reception