Event : The IMarEST Stanley Gray Lecture – ‘ Ocean research, who needs it; a view from the colonies” – Dr Richard Spinrad PhD, Assistant Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Date : Thursday 25 October 2007
Time : Lecture at 17.30 (with tea from 17.00 and a post-lecture buffet at 18.30)
Venue : The City Conference Centre, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ.
Further information:
www.imarest.org/events/stanley/oceanresearch/
Dr Richard Spinrad PhD, FIMarEST, CMarSci, Assistant Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will deliver the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Stanley Gray Lecture “ Ocean research, who needs it; a view from the colonies” on Thursday 25 October at IMarEST headquarters in London.
During the lecture Dr Spinrad will explore the role of ocean science and technology from a diversity of perspectives: health, economics, security and environmental stewardship. He will be making an argument for the indisputable necessity of ocean research in support of societal exigencies; and present the first set of ocean research priorities ever produced in the United States.
Dr Spinrad explains his topic in more detail: “I have spent the last four years working on the United States' statement of ocean research priorities, and it became abundantly evident to me very early in the process that we must associate the real benefit of our research to the daily concerns of society. The days of expressing oceanographic research priorities in terms of physics, biology, chemistry and geology, alone, are long gone.
“I firmly believe that the benefits of ocean research touch every one of our lives in a regular and meaningful way. Whether it's through reducing our insurance rates through better forecasts of natural hazards, or protecting a loved one from the perils of disease, or simply assuring that our holidays are more enjoyable, oceanographic research has a direct link to our lives, our livelihoods and our quality of life.”
“We are certainly in for a fascinating evening on 25 October, we are delighted that one of our Fellows, based in America is doing us the great honour of delivering a lecture in our Stanley Gray series,” says Keith Read CBE, chief executive of IMarEST. “How right Rick Spinrad is – not only will our audience be listening with a business:professional ear, but also thinking just how much each and every one of them is affected by the results of ocean research on a day-to-day personal basis.”
About Dr Richard Spinrad
Dr Spinrad is the Assistant Administrator of NOAA in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). He is a native of New York City, and a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University. He has broad experience in marine science, technology, operations and policy. During his career he has worked in a wide range of positions in government, academia, industry and non-governmental organizations.
Rick Spinrad is the President of The Oceanography Society, and served as Editor in Chief of Oceanography magazine; he has served on numerous professional committees of organizations including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Meteorological Society. Dr Spinrad also served on the faculties of the U.S. Naval Academy and George Mason University. He has spent over 300 days at sea conducting research, and has published more than 50 scientific articles. He is the editor of a textbook on ocean optics and several special issues of marine science journals.
In 2003 Dr Spinrad was awarded the Department of Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest civilian award that can be given by the Navy Department, and he has received a Presidential Rank Award.
Further information on the evening
The IMarEST Stanley Gray lecture, being held at The City Conference Centre (IMarEST H/Q) at 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ, is open to members and non-members alike. There is no charge for attending, but places can be reserved using the online facility at www.imarest.org/events/stanleygraycuttysark/
The lecture takes place at 17.30 on Monday 9 July. Tea is served from 17.00 and there is a post-lecture buffet at 18.30. Further information is available on the website, from events [at] imarest [dot] org and Events Department, IMarEST, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ. Tel: +44 (0)20 7382 2655.
