Dr. Lawrence C. Schuette

Event information

Dr. Lawrence C. Schuette

Director of Global Science & Technology, Lockheed Martin Corporation; Former Director of Research (DOR) at the Office of Naval Research, Former STEM Director for the Department of the Navy

Technology – Once Again, the Future is Now…

DATE: January 11, 2022 6:00 pm

Background

Dr. Lawrence C. Schuette serves as the Director of Global Science and Technology. He joined Lockheed Martin on Sept. 11, 2017 as the Director of Global Science and Technology Engagement. Dr. Schuette is responsible for creating and utilizing a global network of technical relationships to enhance Lockheed Martin’s engagement in the worldwide science, technology, and innovation ecosystems to create new and disruptive mission capabilities.

Dr. Schuette joined Lockheed Martin after 33 years of Federal Service in the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services, the last ten as a member of the Senior Executive Service. Most recently, he was the Director of Research (DOR) at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) where he led the Discovery and Invention portfolio for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. In this capacity, he led a $1B/year investment portfolio of basic and applied research and sponsored research in academia, government, and industry labs in the U.S. and across the globe. He also served as the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Director for the Department of the Navy, providing leadership and management of the department’s STEM investment. Prior to this role, he was the Director of Innovation at ONR where he successfully delivered high-payoff game-changing technology for the warfighter through management of the Navy’s high-risk science and technology portfolio.

He earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Catholic University of America and is a 2009 Seminar XXI Fellow from the MIT Center for International Studies.

His awards include the Secretary of Defense’s award for Exceptional Civilian Service, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Naval Unit Commendation, the Naval Meritorious Unit Commendation and the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.