Clean energy and clean technology – and engineering’s role in future solutions – will be the main discussion topic during College of Engineering events at Boston University’s Alumni Weekend on Oct. 23 and 24.

Yet-Ming Chiang, Kyocera professor of ceramics in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, will be the keynote speaker at the College’s Future of Engineering symposium, “Amplifying the Societal Impact of Engineering Research: A Case Study in Clean Technology.”

An MIT faculty member since 1984, Chiang is a founding scientist of American Superconductor, a leading manufacturer of high-temperature, super-conducting wire for energy and power applications, and A123Systems, one of the world's leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries.

A member of the National Academy of Engineering, he has published close to 180 research papers, 40 granted or pending patents, and authored the popular textbook, “Physical Ceramics: Principles for Ceramic Science and Engineering.” In 2006, Chiang’s research in new battery technology earned him a R&D Magazine “R&D 100” and “R&D Editor’s Choice Award.”

The symposium will begin at 3 p.m. in the George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall (775 Commonwealth Ave.). Following the symposium, the College of Engineering will present the Distinguished Alumni Awards presentation and reception at the Ingalls Resource Center at 48 Cummington St. Both events are free and open to Boston University community.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Professor Michael Caramanis (ME) will co-host the Alumni College class, “The Future of Clean Energy: Challenges to Sustainable Energy Technology.” Alongside Wing Tat Lee, Family Professor of Finance and Economics at the School of Management, the discussion will feature members of BU’s new Clean Energy & Environmental Sustainability Initiative, which advances and promotes sustainable-energy research at BU.

The panel will discuss clean energy stumbling blocks, opportunities for clean energy adoption and the future of SmartGrid. The event begins at 9:15 a.m. in the School of Management (595 Commonwealth Ave.). An Alumni College class pass is required for admission. The pass, available for $10, provides access to all Alumni College classes.

The clean energy discussion concludes with the Inaugural President’s Panel on Energy, with Boston University President Robert A. Brown. The panel will discuss clean energy’s most pressing topics and will feature Steven E. Koonin, under secretary for science at the U.S. Department of Energy; Thomas M. Connelly, Jr., executive vice president & chief innovation officer for Dupont, Inc.; and Philip Giudice, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. The event is free and open to the Boston University community.

More information on Alumni Weekend at Boston University.

RSVP to the Future of Engineering Symposium.