Air Force Provides Presence at 2006 Naval Science & Technology Conference

  • Published
  • By Erin Crawley
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research (Quantech)
ARLINGTON, Va. --  The Air Force Office of Scientific Research recently exhibited at the 2006 Naval Science & Technology Partnership Conference held recently in Washington, D.C.

This was the inaugural year for the 2006 Naval S&T Partnership Conference, which replaced the annual Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference that took place for the past six years.

AFOSR was invited to exhibit by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the primary technical supporter of the event. This was AFOSR's first year participating in the event where over 600 attendees and 21 exhibitors took part.

The event was hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association, one of America's leading defense industry associations promoting national security. The purpose of the event was to gain an understanding of partnership opportunities for industry and academia, and learn how to do business with ONR and the Naval Research Enterprise.

In addition to AFOSR's exhibit booth, other exhibiting participants included Sun Microsystems, Adaptive Technologies Inc., and the Naval Post Graduate School.

By participating as an exhibitor, AFOSR had the opportunity to promote its mission as the Air Force basic research manager. Additionally AFOSR was able to discuss its special program offerings such as the Small Business Technology Transfer program, and its educational programs like Windows on Science, and the Visiting Scientist Program.

Also joining AFOSR's booth was Bob Lasser, president and chief executive officer of Imperium Inc., a company specializing in ultrasonic imaging. Lasser was invited by AFOSR to demonstrate the AcoustoCamTM, a device invented by Lasser's father, Marvin Lasser, and funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The AcoustoCamTM is a hand-held device that detects composite defects in rocket motors, a topic area of interest to the Air Force.

"The funding we received from AFRL through the Department of Defense Small Business Technology Transfer grant program kept us going, enabled our commercial enterprise to flourish and allowed us to foster important business partner relationships," said Lasser.

Other highlights at the conference included presentations from senior naval leaders. "The Energy Power Challenge" was delivered by Rear Adm. William E. Landay, III, chief of naval research, and Dr. Michael McGrath, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, test and evaluation.

Additional topics presented during the conference included the role of industry in naval science, technology, and acquisition; fundamental research as an investment strategy for the future; and science and technology role in providing future operational capabilities.

By participating in events 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 Air Force's mission of control and maximum utilization of air and space. Many of the technological breakthroughs enjoyed by millions today, such as lasers, GPS, and the computer mouse trace their scientific roots to research first funded by AFOSR.