Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young recently teamed up with National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan for a series of events at Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame. Senator Young expressed his admiration for Director Panchanathan, stating, "Director Panchanathan is an incredibly talented and innovative leader, and we were honored to host him in the Hoosier state. As he saw firsthand, big things are happening in the heartland of Indiana."

During their visit to Indiana University, Senator Young and Director Panchanathan engaged in discussions with IU President Pamela Whitten and top research faculty members. They explored IU's focus on biosciences, particularly the integration of biosciences with informatics and engineering. Additionally, they delved into IU's strategies for research security to safeguard sensitive information from potential theft by foreign entities.

At Purdue University, Senator Young and Director Panchanathan participated in the inauguration of new enhancements at the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Purdue's Discovery Park District alongside Purdue President Mung Chiang. They emphasized the significance of U.S. semiconductor research and Purdue's role in training skilled professionals. The trio also took part in a Presidential Lecture Series event, further highlighting the collaboration between government officials and academic leaders.

Their visit to the University of Notre Dame included interactions with students, faculty members, and NSF CAREER awardees. They gained insights into the SpectrumX Center, an NSF-supported academic center spearheaded by Notre Dame. The engagement at Notre Dame showcased the commitment of the university to cutting-edge research and innovation.

The events held with IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame underscored the critical role these institutions play in advancing technology fields, strengthening national security, and fostering economic development. The collaborative efforts between Senator Young, Director Panchanathan, and university representatives highlighted a shared dedication to driving innovation and knowledge creation in Indiana and beyond.