Rigoberto “Gobet” Advincula, the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair of Advanced and Nanostructured Materials and a joint professor in UT’s Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, has been appointed to the National Academies (NASEM) Board on Chemical Sciences and Technologies (BCST).

NASEM is the top science and engineering body that advises the US government, providing independent, objective, and scientifically founded advice on emerging policy questions. BCST identifies technical needs and encourages sustainable practices for the field of chemical science.

“I am proud to be part of this prestigious, diverse board of experts,” Advincula said. “Serving on BCST will allow me to contribute to studies and reports that lead to new, impactful directions in chemical science and technology.”

Advincula looks forward to contributing his expertise on polymers and nanomaterials, as well as his experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to accelerate polymer discovery and production. AI is a promising technology, but Advincula hopes to balance policymakers’ excitement for it with his understanding of its impacts on the environment and national energy demands.

Advincula’s three-year appointment will officially begin at the BCST meeting on May 7-8, 2024.

“Academia sets the bar for achievements in the basic sciences,” he said, “but it takes vision and translational research to turn those achievements into scalable technologies that can serve society. I look forward to helping bridge this gap.”

Contact

Izzie Gall (865-974-7203, egall4@utk.edu)