University of Utah gets $21.5 Million for Materials Research

The University of Utah is launching a six-year, $21.5 million effort to conduct basic research aimed at developing new materials for uses ranging from faster computers and communications devices to better microscopes and solar cells.

The new Center of Excellence in Materials Research and Innovation is being established and funded for six years by a $12 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), $6.5 million for major equipment from the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative and $3 million from the University of Utah.

The coveted NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center grants are obtained only by the nation’s best research universities, says Anil Virkar, director of the new center and a University of Utah distinguished professor and chair of materials science and engineering.

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