Converting Research into Reality
For more than a century the University of Massachusetts Lowell has helped industry - with education and training, with research into new processes and equipment, and with a dedication to the economic and social health of the region. From the early days of textile manufacturing to the founding of the first and foremost plastics engineering department in the country, UMass Lowell has worked to turn ideas into reality - to bridge the gap from research to commercialization.
Building on our existing expertise, in 2004 we were awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN). This NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), was one of only four in nanomanufacturing nationally, is a collaboration of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Northeastern University, and the University of New Hampshire. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has also designated UMass Lowell as a Nanomanufacturing Center of Excellence (NCOE), with funding through the Massachusetts Technology Collaboractive (John Adams Innovation Institute).
Nanoproducts are likely to fuel the next economic boom. Existing products can be made more useful, cost-effective and durable through incorporation of nanoelements. Entirely new nanoproducts, as yet undreamed of, will revolutionize many aspects of our lives. As innovation moves toward biocompatible, flexible materials that are low-cost and environmentally benign, the strengths of UMass Lowell become evident -- UMass Lowell is a world leader in the technologies that make a difference.