Pariser Global Lecture for Innovation in Physical Sciences
Presented by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi in collaboration with the UNC Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research, and honoring the legacy of chemist Dr. Rudolph Pariser, the Pariser Global Lecture Series recognizes those bridging basic and applied research. It celebrates the careers and accomplishments of global pioneers in research and innovation, providing a glimpse into what is possible and inspiring the pursuit of the presently impossible.
This year’s lecture will be given by Dr. Kimberly Budil, director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
This is an in-person event. CLE credit is available for this event.
Keynote Lecture, Kimberly Budil
Dr. Budil leads a workforce of approximately 8,700 employees and manages an annual operating budget of $3 billion. As director, she sets the strategic vision for the Laboratory and is responsible for the successful execution of programs and operations to enhance national security through application of cutting-edge science and technology and to maintain an outstanding and diverse workforce.
She leads the development and implementation of the Laboratory’s scientific vision, goals and objectives, and engages with the senior leadership of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, and other federal agencies, as well as senior leaders across government, academia and the private sector. She serves on several boards and participates in numerous professional and community outreach activities.
Budil holds a Ph.D. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Davis, and a B.S. in physics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Master of Ceremonies, Richard Watkins
Richard Watkins, PhD is the CEO and chairman of The Science Policy Network, a leading scientific consulting firm. He also serves as president of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society.
Dr. Watkins earned his PhD in microbiology and immunology from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he later completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for AIDS Research in the Department of Infectious Diseases. Following his fellowship, he became the program coordinator for the Chancellor’s Science Scholars Program at Carolina. Dr. Watkins also holds a BS in psychology from Fayetteville State University.
Sigma Xi Inductee, Chancellor Lee Roberts
Lee H. Roberts was named the 13th chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Aug. 9, 2024, after serving as interim chancellor. A dedicated public servant and a strong believer in the importance of a liberal arts education, Chancellor Roberts is focused on initiatives that set graduates up for success and provide support to researchers, faculty and staff.
Roberts is a longtime advocate for higher education and for the state of North Carolina. He served as a member of the UNC System Board of Governors and as the chair of its budget committee. He has held positions on the State Board of Community Colleges, North Carolina’s Banking Commission and the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where, for the last five years he taught public budgeting to graduate students.
Welcome Remarks, Vice Chancellor for Research Penny Gordon-Larsen
Penny Gordon-Larsen is the University of North Carolina Vice Chancellor of Research. In this role, she develops, sets strategic direction, and provides support for UNC’s $1.36 billion research enterprise. She is responsible for research infrastructure, operations, and regulatory compliance, research development, research translation, and research communications, and strategic research partnerships.
In addition, she oversees 13 pan-campus, inter-disciplinary research centers and institutes. And she works across campus with the University’s research deans, center/ and institute directors, and key institutional leaders to strategically advance Carolina’s research enterprise.