Richard Lester
Richard Lester
Faculty Chair, IPC
Richard Lester is Japan Steel Industry Professor and Associate Provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he oversees the international activities of the Institute. From 2009 to 2015 he served as head of MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, leading the Department successfully through a period of rapid rebuilding and strategic renewal. Professor Lester’s research focuses on innovation strategy and management. He is also widely known for his research on nuclear technology innovation, management and control.
Dr. Lester holds an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Imperial College and a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from MIT. He is the author or co-author of eight books, and serves as chair of the National Academies’ Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy.
Publications
A Global Strategy for MIT, 2017
A Roadmap for Nuclear Energy Technology, Issues in Science and Technology, 2016
China-U.S. Cooperation to Advance Nuclear Power, Science, 2016
Growing Innovative Companies to Scale: How Does Massachusetts Measure Up?, IPC, 2015
Quantifying the Impact of Proposed Carbon Emission Reductions on the U. S. Energy Infrastructure, IPC, 2009
America's Energy Innovation Problem (and How to Fix It), IPC, 2009
Innovation Systems in the Solar Photovoltaic Industry: The Role of Public Research Institutions, IPC, 2009
Greener Plants, Grayer Skies?, A report from the front lines of China's energy sector, 2008
The Coal Industry in China (and secondarily India), IPC, 2007