Press Release: Dr. Harris: Since 2006, Science Foundation Arizona Has Advanced Technology Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, Scottsdale Rotary Club The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed Dr. William C. Harris, President and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz), as its keynote speaker at a luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club. While introducing Dr. Harris, Rotarian Jim Bruner noted prior to joining SFAz, Dr. Harris was in Ireland serving as director general of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), a new Irish agency that helped facilitate tremendous growth in Ireland’s R&D. Immediately prior to going to Ireland, Dr. Harris was vice president of research and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of South Carolina (USC). There, Dr. Harris oversaw research activities throughout the USC system, several interdisciplinary centers and institutes, the USC Research Foundation and sponsored research programs. Dr. Harris served at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) from 1978 to 1996, including as the director for mathematical and physical sciences (1991-1996); where he was responsible for federal grants appropriation of $750 million. He also established 25 Science and Technology Centers to support investigative, interdisciplinary research by multi-university consortia. Earlier in his career, he catalyzed the Research Experience for Undergraduates program in the chemistry division and it became an NSF-wide activity. In 2005, Dr. Harris was elected a member of the Irish Royal Academy, and received the Wiley Lifetime Achievement Award from California Polytechnic State University. He has authored more than 50 research papers and review articles in spectroscopy and is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Harris earned his undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary, and received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina. Per Dr. Harris, in 2006, Arizona's political, education, business and philanthropic leadership made the decision to launch SFAz. The mission of SFAz (office located in Scottsdale) is to diversify the state's economy by developing programs and partnerships that stimulate joint industry and university research and development, as well as, benefit state-based industries. SFAz, a nonprofit public-private partnership was awarded its first grant in 2007. SFAz returns on its first seven years of research investment can be measured in quantifiable terms of revenue, high-salary jobs, companies, technologies, and talent generated and attracted. Dr. Harris often referred to Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson's book "Jump-Starting America" which reflects upon a visionary plan that will lead to job growth and a new American economy in places now left behind. Beginning in 1940, massive public investment generated breakthroughs in science and technology that first helped win WWII and then created the most successful economy the world has ever seen. Private enterprise then built on these breakthroughs to create new industries--such as radar, jet engines, digital computers, mobile telecommunications, life-saving medicines, and the internet-- that became the catalyst for broader economic growth that generated millions of good jobs.

Dr. Harris noted that the 1944 GI Bill resulted in significant number of GI's attending college and other significant jump-starts in industry included:

• IBM in early 1950's; • 1957's Sputnik impact of US's competitiveness; • 1957-67 federal grants introduced to support new universities addressing technology,

educational programs for teachers, and development of computer, biology and science research laboratories;

• 1980's development of internet and computer science within universities. Dr. Harris shared his experiencing significant advancements between 1985 to 2001 in China's development of laboratories, airports, and transportation (trains, highways..). In closing, Dr. Harris acknowledged that ASU has developed into a world-class research university. He stressed the need to depoliticize and build for the future for competitive good. He theorized that within the US there will be 100 cities, likely to include Phoenix Valley, that will be have renown universities and a network of laboratories to educate, keep and grow talent that will change our country. See the Club's website for information about its upcoming key note speakers - www.scottsdalerotary.org or call 480-945-6158. Photos:

• Rotarian Jim Bruner, Dr. William C Harris and Rotary Club of Scottsdale President Don Loose greet members and guests at luncheon held in Scottsdale.

• Dr. William C Harris shared how Science Foundation Arizona invigorates and advance information and communications technology, sustainable systems and biosciences.

Dr. Honora A. Norton RCS PR Chair 5047 S Ranger Trail Gilbert, AZ 85298 480-699-9308 Home 602-692-4153 Cell mike.honora@cox.net www.linkedin.com/in/drhonoranorton/