???? Harmony and Progress - A Sustainable Society that Fosters Growth ?????

Last week, when we announced a dedicated session at the 2024 SVC TechCon focused on the role of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology in the emerging hydrogen economy.

In the article, we pointed out that our strength lies in the collaborative synergy of our members and posted a link to an interview with ECS’ and SVC’ Executive Directors. Today we will be discussing the four pillars of a sustainable society that foster growth. Let us first recap why this connection between ECS and SVC is important for both societies.

Collaboration

In the ECS and SVC interview, ECS’ Executive Director and CEO, Christopher J. Jannuzzi, emphasized the importance of recognizing blind spots as we become more specialized:

We are living in an age of technological convergence, but at the same time, discrete scientific disciplines are becoming more and more specialized. Therefore, it’s critical that we convene technical experts from across the scientific and technical spectrum to share the latest advancements in their respective fields and learn how advancements in other areas can impact their work.

This interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange emphasizes complex challenges, which is important in sustainability discussions. Sustainability often requires a comprehensive approach that considers the interconnectedness of various fields and the potential impact of advancements in one area on others.

What is a sustainable society?

A sustainable society aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This collaboration between The Electrochemical Society (ECS) and the Society of Vacuum Coating (SVC) is important because it leads to a better connection with all the members of the community and this is the first pillar that we will discuss.

The First Pillar: Connection

The synergy between ECS and SVC fosters a unique environment where experts from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds come together. This collaboration not only enriches the individual societies but also strengthens the overall fabric of the scientific community at large.

The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food. - dr. Dean Ornish

In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, the integration of electrochemical and vacuum coating technologies is critical. By convening experts from these specialized fields, blind spots can be identified and addressed. Christopher J. Jannuzzi, ECS’ Executive Director and CEO, rightly emphasized the importance of recognizing these blind spots in an age of increasing specialization.

This collaborative effort transcends the boundaries of individual disciplines and contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of electrochemistry and vacuum coating. Such interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for staying at the forefront of technological convergence.

Additionally, it's worth noting that making connections is sometimes easier in larger communities due to the increased diversity they offer. As exemplified by last year's TechCon keynote speaker, Dr. Jovonni Spinner, who shared strategies and initiatives fostering a diverse workforce, these connections contribute to heightened creativity and innovation and this brings us to the second pillar.

Second Pillar: DEIBA

We're all familiar with the concept of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), but last year, Dr. Jovani Spinner, introduced an extension known as DEIBA (including Belonging and Accessibility) and highlighted its significance in the physical sciences. Dr. Spinner drew parallels by describing diversity as akin to hosting a party where everyone is invited—not just the popular kids from high school.

In this context, equity ensures that each person has the opportunity to contribute their perspective, much like being able to choose the music you want to listen to at the party. Inclusion, according to Dr. Spinner, is the freedom for everyone to dance, emphasizing a sense of participation for all. Belonging, on the other hand, captures the essence of feeling comfortable and accepted, whether one is actively participating in the dance or not.

Furthermore, Dr. Spinner touched on the concept of accessibility, likening it to providing a ramp for someone using a wheelchair. In essence, accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the means to fully engage and participate.

Why is this important?

The significance of DEIBA extends beyond its individual components. Addressing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility is crucial in combating confirmation bias within society.

Confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that confirms preexisting beliefs or values, can create barriers to understanding and hinder progress.

By embracing DEIBA principles, we actively challenge confirmation bias. Diversity broadens perspectives, introducing a variety of ideas and experiences that challenge ingrained biases. Equity ensures that these diverse perspectives are given equal weight, fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Inclusion and belonging go hand in hand in dismantling confirmation bias. When everyone feels free to participate and is encouraged to belong, it breaks down the barriers that confirmation bias erects. People are more likely to engage with a variety of perspectives when they feel a sense of belonging, leading to a more inclusive and open-minded society.

Accessibility, as highlighted by Dr. Jovani Spinner, serves as a practical tool to overcome physical and metaphorical barriers. Inclusive accessibility ensures that diverse voices, regardless of their circumstances, can actively contribute to the conversation.

In summary, integrating DEIBA principles into our societal framework enriches our global understanding and actively combats confirmation bias. This approach empowers individuals to challenge assumptions, learn collaboratively, and move collectively toward a more open and unbiased future.

Our overarching goal is to create an actively diverse and inclusive community, valuing contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as emphasized by Christopher J. Jannuzzi, in the interview.

This recognition of diverse expertise within the ECS and SVC communities exemplifies our commitment to embracing a broad spectrum of knowledge and experiences. By acknowledging and appreciating the rich tapestry of skills and perspectives present in our community, we lay the foundation for collaborative innovation and progress in the fields we represent.

Third Pillar: Education and Training

Continuing to the Third Pillar: Education and Training, we delve into the transformative power of innovation within our community. Embracing and promoting a culture of innovation is integral, encouraging members to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies within their respective fields.

Innovation often arises from a willingness to explore uncharted territories and challenge existing norms. Consider iconic inventions like Teflon, the microwave, and Post-it notes – these groundbreaking discoveries were born out of curiosity, experimentation, and a readiness to deviate from conventional thinking.

Education plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore, experiment, and implement new ideas. NASA's history provides a poignant example: in 1999, a simple mistake in unit conversion led to the Mars Climate Orbiter orbiting the Red Planet 100 kilometers lower than intended. The company that designed the system used the inch-pound system, while the navigators employed the metric system. This error underscored the critical importance of education and precision in technological endeavors.

As Frank Zimone highlighted in the interview:

The potential to develop technology and scale solutions that can impact pressing global requirements is not only an opportunity for both organizations but actually an obligation!

Frank Zimone's perspective reinforces the idea that education and training are not only catalysts for innovation but also essential in addressing global challenges. By nurturing a culture of continuous learning and embracing innovation, we not only push the boundaries of knowledge but also fulfill our obligation to contribute to impactful solutions for the world's pressing needs.

With a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, SVC provides a comprehensive suite of educational initiatives, including a diverse range of tutorials on vacuum coating fundamentals, a unique self-paced online tutorial, and specialized support for students.

Fourth Pillar: Meaning

In our final pillar, we emphasize the profound significance of meaning, echoing the wisdom of Simon Sinek who famously stated:

Everything starts with why.

Meaning (Why) is not just a pillar - it is the cornerstone, providing purpose and direction.

ECS dedicates itself to advancing electrochemical and solid-state science while promoting science for the public interest, envisioning stewardship and leadership in open access, scientific discovery, and innovation.

Whereas, we - the SVC - focus on promoting technical excellence in industrial vacuum coating and surface engineering, aiming to be a dynamic global forum facilitating innovation and knowledge dissemination in these critical domains.

See you soon, and thanks for spending your time here with us!