Lewis M. Branscomb

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Lewis M. Branscomb (born August 17, 1926) is an American physicist, government policy advisor, and corporate research manager. He is known for his contributions to science and technology policy, public policy, and innovation.

Early Life and Education

Branscomb was born in Asheville, North Carolina. He attended Duke University, where he received his bachelor's degree in physics in 1945. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University in 1949.

Career

Academic Career

After completing his Ph.D., Branscomb joined the faculty at Harvard University as an assistant professor of physics. He later became a full professor and served as the director of the Harvard University Center for Science and International Affairs.

Government Service

Branscomb has held several significant positions in the U.S. government. He served as the Director of the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology) from 1969 to 1972. He was also a member of the President's Science Advisory Committee and the National Science Board.

Corporate Career

In the corporate sector, Branscomb was the Chief Scientist at IBM from 1972 to 1986. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the company's research and development strategies.

Contributions to Science and Technology Policy

Branscomb has been a prominent advocate for the integration of science and technology into public policy. He has written extensively on topics such as innovation policy, technology transfer, and the role of government in fostering scientific research.

Awards and Honors

Branscomb has received numerous awards for his contributions to science and technology, including the National Medal of Science and the Vannevar Bush Award. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal Life

Branscomb is married and has three children. He continues to be active in the fields of science and technology policy and serves on various advisory boards and committees.

See Also

• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• IBM
• Innovation policy
• Technology transfer