Ray Kammer, former director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), passed away at 76. He was appointed NIST director in 1997 and played a key role in modernizing the agency’s research facilities, which were outdated for 21st-century science. He secured funding for the Advanced Measurement Laboratory, completed in 2004, which supports cutting-edge research in areas like quantum computing, nanotechnology, and semiconductors. Kammer also had a long federal career, serving in various leadership roles across agencies like the Department of Commerce and NOAA.
Kammer was known for his calm leadership and ability to find practical solutions. He was involved in the controversial Clipper Chip initiative, a government encryption project that faced strong opposition from privacy advocates. After retiring from NIST in 2000, he continued working as a consultant and later served as president of his homeowners association. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, and is remembered for his dedication to public service and scientific advancement.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2023/07/ray-kammer-who-led-nist-start-21st-century-dies-76
Keywords: measurement precision, quantum computing, advanced materials
