In this episode Lee Green interviews Lori Austino, DuPont’s global technology leader, about how the company defines and manages substances of concern. Lori explains the shift from acute to chronic toxicants, the development of internal standards and substance lists, and the principles that guide existing products versus new innovations. She reviews practical tools, alternatives assessment methods, and a workbook to support R&D decisions, and discusses challenges around supplier disclosure, waste streams, circularity, and avoiding regrettable substitutions. The episode closes with next steps for integrating sustainability into strategic value and ongoing cross-functional collaboration. Link to the database mentioned in the webinar

In this discussion, we explore the fast-changing role of modeling and machine learning in formulation design, shifting from a supportive tool to a driving force of innovation. Once a “nice to have,” computational modeling is now reducing reliance on costly, time-intensive experiments and accelerating product development across industries, from consumer goods to aerospace and semiconductors. We’ll highlight how advances in AI/ML and physics-based simulations are helping researchers manage the growing complexity of real-world formulations, bridging the gap between theory and commercial products. Whether you’re a formulation scientist, data enthusiast, or R&D leader, this session sheds light on how digital tools are reshaping the lab and the future of product innovation.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Thomas Steen, CTO of Nortek Data Center Cooling, as he shares his journey from aerospace engineering to the world of data centers. Discover the challenges and innovations in cooling technologies that are essential for operating today’s massive data centers, vital for AI advancements. Learn about Nortek's pioneering approach to efficiently managing power and water resources, essential to the future of sustainable and scalable data centers. Whether you're a scientist, engineer, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of data center infrastructure and what lies ahead.

In this episode, Meetal Desai is joined by Steve Hafif, the CEO of Cypris, to explore the challenges and solutions in knowledge management for R&D teams. Steve shares his expertise on the integration of AI into research and development workflows, emphasizing the importance of clean data systems and centralized information storage for improved decision-making. He outlines the evolution of AI tools in breaking down data silos, creating efficiencies, and fostering collaboration within organizations. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Cypris leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance research capabilities, offering valuable strategies for companies looking to optimize their R&D processes.

The Innovation Research Interchange podcast delves into the forefront of the innovation ecosystem, focusing on water technology and sustainability. Industry leaders discuss exciting advancements in research and development, including efforts to pilot groundbreaking technologies for extracting and managing critical minerals, and eliminating PFAS from water.This episode also highlights the importance of workforce development, showcasing various programs designed to create seamless career pathways in the water sector. Collaboration across industries, research institutions, and community partners is emphasized as integral to driving innovation forward, especially in regions rich in natural water resources like the Great Lakes.Listeners are offered insights into how strategic partnerships are fostering an environment ripe for innovation and how investing in infrastructure and R&D is essential for a sustainable future. Key speakers provide a comprehensive overview of the critical, multidisciplinary challenges and opportunities in the quest for water sustainability.

In this episode, we engage with Colin Scott, Nicole Mignacca, and Ellie Kim from Innventure, a leading firm renowned for transforming cutting-edge technology into successful market solutions. Join us as we explore Innventure's unique approach to reducing risks and accelerating commercial success through strategic collaborations and a systematic evaluation process. Colin, Nicole, and Ellie share valuable insights into identifying high-potential technology opportunities, the critical role of strategic partnerships, and how they engage with multinational corporations to catalyze innovation. Learn about the challenges and metrics involved in the journey from concept to commercialization, and how Inventure’s model aims to ensure innovative solutions reach their maximum market impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the mechanics of bringing transformative technology to life!

The latest episode of the IRI podcast dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding innovation, sustainability, and legal compliance in the manufacturing sector. Join Lee Green as she hosts an insightful session with Lindsay Brown and Brad Molotsky, partners at Duane Morris and experts in environmental law and transactional real estate, respectively. Lindsay and Brad explore the intricacies of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations across various US states, discussing their impact on manufacturers, the complexities of compliance, and the importance of tracking and reporting. They also address the growing significance of PFAS regulations and how they intersect with EPR, offering guidance for R&D professionals on preparing for upcoming legislative changes. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability and legal mandates. Don't miss the valuable advice and expert commentary on how to navigate these challenging times for innovators and manufacturers alike.

Join us for an engaging interview with Sean Ammirati, CEO of Growth Signals and Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University, as he explores how generative AI enhancing speed and productivity in R&D. Sean will share how genAI is transforming ideation, literature discovery, and management practices like StageGate, while dispelling common misconceptions about its impact. Gain valuable insights into how this groundbreaking technology is reshaping the way innovation happens today—and where it’s headed.

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Daniel Shin, a prominent cybersecurity researcher and COVA CCI research scientist, to delve into the growing concerns surrounding the nefarious use of large language models. Discover how these powerful AI tools are being exploited in unexpected ways, from generating fictitious travel books to creating synthetic video content for quick monetization.Daniel shares valuable insights on the emerging risks posed by AI, including the surge in spam generation and the potential consequences for companies deploying AI technologies. He emphasizes the importance of proactive AI governance and cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks and ensure data privacy.Learn about the innovative deepfake countermeasures and the future challenges in AI ethics and legality. This episode will equip you with essential knowledge to stay informed and prepared in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.

This episode features a compelling conversation with Brent Bell, VP of Recycling and President of Waste Management Recycle America, as he shares his insights on the evolution of the recycling landscape. Learn about WM's transformative $1.5 billion investment in recycling infrastructure, the shift from dual stream to single stream recycling, and the impact of lightweight packaging on recycling operations. Explore the challenges and solutions surrounding demand for recycled materials, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and how companies are shifting towards designing for circularity. Brent discusses collaborations with brands to enhance product recyclability and the importance of consumer education in improving recycling rates. As the episode unfolds, Brent sheds light on WM's strategies to meet increasing demand, from investing in chemical recycling projects to processing plastic films. Discover how regulatory changes, like minimum content regulations and EPR, are transforming the industry. Join us as we uncover the road ahead for recycling and sustainability.

In this webinar, we’ll dive into how Milliken’s R&D team enhanced their research processes by digitizing handwritten lab notebooks. Learn how this shift has streamlined access to decades of internal knowledge, enhanced collaboration, and driven innovation across teams. Join us for a conversation about the journey, challenges, and the cutting-edge tools that made this transition possible.

In this webinar, Dr. Ed Rakiewicz, a recipient of the IRI Leadership Award, will discuss how PPG has successfully driven commercial growth while advancing its sustainability agenda. He will share the key enablers, challenges, and lessons learned in balancing profitability and sustainability, offering practical insights for businesses aiming to achieve both. Ed will also provide advice for early career professionals looking to make an impact in this space.

Join Lee Green from IRI as she engages in an insightful conversation with Noel Hollingsworth, the co-founder and CEO of Uncountable. Together, they delve into the transformative potential of AI in the realm of Research and Development (R&D) and explore the practical challenges organizations face in adopting AI technologies. Noel shares his diverse background in machine learning, from optimizing hybrid engines at Ford to enhancing sports analytics for NBA and NFL teams, leading to the founding of Uncountable. The discussion highlights the gap in AI application across industries, emphasizing the need for better data readiness and structured processes in R&D sectors like industrial manufacturing. The conversation further explores the evolution of Uncountable's approach, from focusing solely on AI to addressing foundational data issues, enabling organizations to effectively utilize AI. They discuss the importance of data quality, replicability, and clear goal-setting to ensure successful AI integration in scientific environments. Noel offers valuable insights into managing expectations, fostering trust, and identifying incremental wins to build momentum within organizations. The episode concludes with strategic advice for leaders on preparing software, hardware, and people for AI advancements, setting the stage for long-term success in R&D.