ROMEOVILLE, IL – U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman today joined Rep. Judy Biggert (IL-13th) at a technology firm in Illinois to highlight scientific research investments that have led to partnerships between DOE’s National laboratories and private industry.  At Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc., Secretary Bodman touted the key contributions of scientists and engineers across the country and the importance of sustaining innovation and entrepreneurship in advancing energy and economic security.

“Moving technologies from the laboratory setting to commercial demonstration is critical to meeting the energy security challenges that our nation faces,” Secretary Bodman said.  “Sustained investment in scientific research and development through the President's American Competitiveness Initiative is empowering our nation's scientists and engineers to develop and deploy cutting edge technologies and lead the world in innovation.”

Secretary Bodman toured Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. (ADT), a technology company established in 2003.  ADT applies research in ultrananocrystalline diamonds created at DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory and brings the commercial product to the marketplace.  ADT’s man-made precious gems are used in applications for cell phones, artificial retinas and biosensors.

To bolster investments in science necessary to develop advanced technologies, President Bush announced the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) in 2006, which commits to doubling the federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years.  This ambitious strategy ensures that the United States continues to lead the world in opportunity and innovation, and provide American children with a strong foundation in math and science.  Secretary Bodman highlighted the President’s Initiative at ADT as a critical investment in keeping America’s economy strong by generating knowledge and tools necessary to develop and deploy new advanced technologies.

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