State of the Society Address

Croce talks about the accomplishments of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). The Society has Strategy and Surveillance Teams (SSTs) for three key goals: increase technical expertise, advance innovation and communicate and advocate for our profession. The Advance Innovation SST, led by director Tom Scharf, is constantly surveilling the industry to find best practices, new knowledge/research and gaps in our member offerings. Additionally team members are focused on reviewing and constantly improving STLE's Emerging Trends Report. The Communication and Advocacy SST, led by director Ryan Evans, is involved in what is probably one of the most rewarding areas. Interesting enough, the 2017 Emerging Trends Report pointed out two key barriers to success in the industry: inability to attract young talent and continued reduction in government funding for research. Many factors created these barriers, but one common theme is the lack of understanding on how tribologists and lubrication engineers contribute to almost all scientific and technological progress. In response to this situation, STLE in late 2017 initiated a multiyear media campaign targeting four key market segments: transportation, power generation, metalworking and manufacturing.