Arlington, VA. -- Dr. Terence J. Lyons, Deputy for Technology Transition, Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has been awarded the Air Force Science and Engineering Award, Research Management Category during a ceremony at AFOSR.

From 1997 until 2000, Dr. Lyons served as a liaison officer in life sciences and chemistry, Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development (AOARD) in Tokyo, Japan. Subsequently, he served as director of AOARD for five years during which time he led an international multidisciplinary team of scientists, administrative officers, and visiting scientists. He assessed emerging technologies over a wide range of Asian science and technology including materials, nanotechnology, chemistry, physics, aerospace and information science. He facilitated interaction between Air Force scientists and research communities in Asia and the Pacific Rim.

In the past year as Deputy for Technology Transition at AFOSR in Arlington, Va., he has been working in the areas of strategic planning and was the AFOSR lead for Focused Long Term Challenges (FLTCs) and Discovery Challenge Thrusts (DCTs).

In nominating Dr. Lyons for the award, Dr. Brendan B. Godfrey, Director, AFOSR noted, "His leadership, professional skill and scientific acumen established an extensive network of linkages throughout the Department of Defense and other federal, academic and industrial organizations. His leadership and innovative management resulted in several-fold leverage and significant transitions. His accomplishments markedly increased the visibility and the credibility of AFRL in both the U.S. scientific community and throughout the Asia Pacific region."

Dr. Mark Lewis, Chief Scientist of the Air Force, noted that Dr. Lyons was able to find highly qualified and talented people who did outstanding work in a challenging environment.

"What made the difference was having excellent support from AFOSR and laboratory leadership. With the tremendous growth of research capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, it also was the right time to be in Asia. We had great people and an exciting mission," said Dr. Lyons after receiving the award.

Dr. Lyons' wife, son and sister also attended the ceremony.

"I'm very happy for my husband. Nine years in Tokyo were enjoyable - The people are wonderful," said Dr. Lyons' wife, Kyoko.

His sister, Kathy Reker said, "I'm always proud of him. He's my big brother and my best friend."

Through support of research projects like this, AFOSR continues to expand the horizon of scientific knowledge through its leadership and management of the Air Force's basic research program. As a vital component of the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFOSR supports the Air Force mission of control and maximum utilization of air and space. Many of the technologies enjoyed by millions today, such as lasers, Global Positioning System, and the computer mouse, trace their origin to scientific breakthroughs, due in whole or in part, to research first funded by AFOSR.