Leah Nichols, Postdoctoral Fellow in Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Commentator: Jason Owen-Smith, Associate Professor of Sociology and Organizational Studies, University of Michigan Co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute Abstract: For the past thirty years, significant policy attention has been given to improving the transfer of technology from universities to private industry in an effort to improve U.S.

Free and open to the public. Reception to follow. About the speaker As the Consul General of Canada based in Detroit, Roy B. Norton represents Canada in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He leads the Canadian Consulate General which promotes Canadian interests – primarily trade, investment, the environment, culture and academic relations. Born in Ottawa, Norton initially received a MA in Canadian History from Carleton University.

This panel discussion focuses on how politics, conflict and oil affect U.S. interests and policies in the greater Middle East region. Current developments in Iraq, Iran and in the Israel-Palestinian peace process will be examined by present and former policy-level officials who have studied and dealt with these issues in both the U.S. Government and in academia. Panelists: Colin Kahl, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, U.S.

Reception to follow. About the speaker Joseph Sax is the James H. House and Hiram H. Hurd Professor of Environmental Regulation, Emeritus, at the University of California-Berkeley. Sax began teaching law at the University of Colorado in 1962. In 1966, he moved to the University of Michigan, where he became the Philip A. Hart Distinguished University Professor. He joined the Boalt faculty in 1986.

Spring Preview is a weekend designed to give newly admitted students all the information they need to make a decision about pursing a Ford School MPP degree. Admitted students have the opportunity to meet with Ford School faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and get a chance to tour the University of Michigan campus and city of Ann Arbor. Admitted students will receive specific event details in their Ford School acceptance letters, mailed in March.

Free and open to the public. The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted as a potential salve for the ailing U.S. health care system. It has quickly become a great challenge for states reacting to its provisions, and a target for legal objections likely to reach the Supreme Court.

Edward S. Walker is one of the foremost U.S. experts on the politics of the Middle East. He served as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs under both Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell (2000-2001), US Ambassador to Israel (1997-1999), US Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt (1994-1997), U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (1989-1992) and as Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (1992-1993).  Upon retirement from the U.S.

Reception to follow About the speaker Gail Wilensky is an economist and serves as the John M. Olin Senior Fellow at Project HOPE, where she analyzes and develops policies relating to health reform and ongoing changes in the medical marketplace. Dr.

Open to the public. Registration and registration fee is required. About the conference and workshops The University of Michigan is proud to welcome the political networks community to Ann Arbor for the 4th Annual Political Networks Conference and Workshops. The study of political networks serves a key role in understanding governance, as politics is largely driven by relationships between actors, agencies, and institutions.

Free and open to the public. About the speaker Dr. Paul Portney is a Professor and Dean Emeritus at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management, and President Emeritus of Resources for the Future, a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to improving environmental and natural resources policymaking worldwide through objective social science research of the highest caliber. Dr. Portney is also the co-author of 'Public Policies for Environmental Protection.' Learn more about Dr.