Jerome Friedman & Phillip Sharp, “Defining the Boundaries: Homeland Security and Its Impact on Scientific Research” - Ford/MIT Nobel Laureate Lecture Series 9/23/2003

MIT Institute Professors and Nobel Laureates Jerome Friedman and Phillip Sharp exchange ideas on the potential impacts of security on science, in a wide-ranging presentation moderated by Charles Vest, for the Ford/MIT Nobel Laureates Lecture Series held on September 23, 2003.

They discuss the potential impact of recent security measures on education and on scientific progress, and illustrate through their own personal experiences the historical trends of government security constraints on science during and since the Second World War. Sharp offers perspectives on public health and underscores the need to turn attention to the real dangers such as natural pathogens, rather than focusing narrowly on bioterrorism. Friedman emphasizes the importance of free flow of information as the best way for MIT to serve the public interest.

MIT President Charles Vest as moderator reminded the audience that “openness is one of MIT's greatest strengths."

About the Ford/MIT Nobel Laureates Lecture Series: In 1997 the Ford Motor Company engaged MIT in a strategic partnership to address a set of 21st century challenges facing the automotive industry. Through this innovative program, the Nobel Laureate Lecture Series was introduced in 2000 and featured local and international Nobel Laureates leading provocative discussions in economics, physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, and peacemaking. These seven lectures were held from 2000 to 2005 at MIT and were organized by MIT's Community Services Office, Lecture Series Committee, Graduate Student Council, Industrial Liaison Program, Undergraduate Association, and the Office of the Chancellor.