The Ecosystem of Research, Education, and Community

Insights from research discoveries trigger innovation and invention, and ultimately lead to commercialization of new products. This influx of new technologies feeds the economy, and in turn also sparks interest in the community. It is this excitement and promise that attracts students to the field—our future workforce of policy makers, manufacturing experts, engineers, scientists, educators, and other leaders. Appreciation of the interdependence of these three cornerstones—research, education, and society—is essential in creating our best future.