Industrial Research Institute
IRI e-Innovation Newsletter
No. 426
July 2015
Innovation Imperative
Our members know what it takes to innovate: a commitment to discovery, a talented and well-trained workforce, and an economic climate that rewards entrepreneurship and invention. America has led the world in these areas for decades, but that leadership is in decline due in large part to years of under-prioritizing federal scientific research investments and policies to promote innovation.

It's time for a change.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has issued a Call to Action requesting a raise in federal investment in science and technology and more attention paid to the policies that affect scientific discovery and commercialization. IRI is a signatory to this cause and is thankful for the 8 members who have joined us so far.

Thank you!
johndeere

IBM 
And the other 250+ organizations and institutions for joining us as signatories to this important cause!

Join the call for an



Member Companies in the News
Special Report from Johns Manville 


2015 Sustainability Report Highlights the Performance and Value Metrics of Johns Manville



An organization with over 7,000 employees worldwide,
Johns Manville, IRI member since 1945, began reporting on its new sustainability initiatives four years ago with an effort to drive a sustainability value system throughout the company and its product lines. The 2015 report highlights many areas where Johns Manville is making strides in becoming a beacon of sustainability.

Some of the 2015 report's highlights include energy savings, reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and an overall reduction in solid waste intensity.










If you would like your organization's sustainability or other annual report's highlights to be featured in this newsletter,


Upcoming Events

 


Fall Networks
Dearborn, MI
Sept. 16 - 18

Houston, TX
NASA Johnson Space Center
September 24

 

 2015 Member Summit

Chicago, IL

October 18 - 21

Registration is Now Open

 

 

Thank You 2015 Industry Sponsors

 

 

Platinum Sponsors

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Sponsors

 

 

 

  ninesigma

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Sponsors

 

 

           

 

 

 
In This Issue
#InnovationImperative
Member Companies in the News
Special Report from Johns Manville
Upcoming Events
Thank You 2015 Industry Sponsors
Happy 4th of July!
IRIweb is Under Construction
Ask the Community Forum
The Biodesign Challenge
Don Eadie Retiring from LB Foster
Share Your Good News

Happy 4th of July!

Stay Safe this Weekend

(As if we needed to tell career scientists and engineers how to be safe around explosives and fire, right?)

Just in case...

Fireworks safety demonstration by KC Fire Department


The IRI Web is Under Construction
 
We are working to improve your member experience!

Beginning Friday, July 10, iriweb.org will be offline temporarily as we upgrade our association management system and add new features specifically for IRI members.

While we are offline, you will not be able to view the website, search for resources, or register for any events.

We apologize for the inconvenience and we sincerely appreciate your patience.


Do You Have a Burning Question about R&D Management?

Ask the IRI community!



The IRI Community Forum is a great resource for R&D managers looking for tips on how to approach niche management questions.

Submit your query and the IRI membership will offer advice on how they tackle that specific challenge at their company.

 
The Biodesign
Challenge

 


This year, IRI is supporting the
Biodeseign Challenge by encouraging our members to get involved. This is a national design competition where university students devise ways we might harness living things to improve the form and function of our made world---from garments and buildings to food and infrastructure.

The Biodesign Challenge launches its inaugural year this October, complementing the work done in the IRI2038 Futures Study. Its organizers are offering IRI members partnership opportunities to envision how innovations in biotechnology might be inculcated into our products and the processes behind them.

 

The program culminates in the summer of 2016 at the Biodesign Summit where students, designers, biologists, investors, and industry leaders gather for presentations and a gallery of the winning projects.

 

To partner with the Biodesign Challenge, share your expertise with the students, or attend the summit, contact organizer Daniel Grushkin.


Don Eadie
is Retiring!

After 16 years working for the organization that eventually became known as LB Foster, Don Eadie, VP, Technology & Innovation, is retiring.

A chemist who began his long, accomplished career with a post-doc fellowship at Cambridge and was then hired by Esso Petroleum Canada (Imperial Oil) in 1982, Dr. Eadie says he is now looking forward to spending time with his family and friends.

 
Quick Links

(July-August Issue Now Available!)



















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Share Your Good News


 

Product releases?
Speaking engagements?
Annual reports?
 
Let the IRI community know what you and your company are up to. Would you like to be featured in our Member Spotlight?

Send us an email and we'll include it in our newsletter.






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