Lyle H. Schwartz is a professor in the USF Institute for Advanced Discovery & Innovation and a retired director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research where he had responsibility for the basic research program of the Air Force. He began his career as a professor of materials science and engineering at Northwestern University where he also became director of the Materials Research Center. He later became director of the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology where he was responsible for management of the research and development agenda for metals, ceramics, polymers, magnetic materials, and development and standardization of techniques for materials characterization. Dr. Schwartz subsequently assumed responsibility for basic research on structural materials of interest to the U.S. Air Force, in addition to the areas of propulsion, aeromechanics, and aerodynamics before being promoted to Director. His current interests include government policy for research and development, STEM education in grades 6-12 via materials science/technology, and increased focus of academic research on societal needs. Dr. Schwartz received both his B.S in engineering and his Ph.D. in materials science from Northwestern University. He has received many awards including membership in the National Academy of Engineering. He has served on numerous National Academy committees and boards, including as vice chair of the National Materials Advisory Board, as chair of the Army Research Laboratory Technical Advisory Board, and as a member of the Air Force Studies Board. Recent NRC committee membership included the following studies: Manufacturing Program at NIST, Best Practices in Assessment of Research and Development Organizations, and Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Aircraft Sustainment Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs.