Distinguished Lecturer

Arno Penzias is a Venture Partner at New Enterprise Associates, as well as a Senior Technology Advisor of Lucent Technologies, Bell Labs Innovations. In this role, he prowls Silicon Valley and similar places, seeking out promising technology futures and catalyzing their applications.

Prior to assuming his current position in May of 1998, he held a series of leader- ship positions in Bell Labs' Research organization. As Vice President of Research - - from the Bell System's breakup in 1982, to the creation of Lucent Technologies - he boosted Bell Labs' impact upon the global marketplace, while maintaining its long-standing reputation for scientific excellence.

Dr. Penzias began his scientific career in 1961 when he joined Bell Laboratories as a Member of Technical Staff. He conducted research in radio communication and took part in the pioneering Echo and Telstar, communications satellite experiments. As a scientist, he is best known for his contributions to astrophysics which earned him the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1978.

A sought-after speaker on emerging trends, he has written a number of articles on information technology, especially its impact on business and society. His highly acclaimed book on the subject, Ideas and Information, was published by W. W. Norton. A second book, entitled Digital Harmony: Business, Technology and Life After Paperwork, published by Harper Collins, charts the course of the Information Revolution and its demands for higher levels of system integration.

Dr. Penzias received a Bachelor of Science degree from the City College of New York. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, he attended Columbia University where he received his master's and doctorate degrees. He has also received a number of honorary degrees, as well as other awards for his contributions to science, R&D management and public service.

His affiliations include advisory relationships and board memberships with several small- and medium-sized technology-based companies.