Building on a legacy of excellence in glass science and engineering, the new Center for Glass Research (CGR) was recently launched at Penn State, USA. It brings together the expertise of researchers from Penn State, Alfred University and the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) in a strategic collaborative initiative.
“United by a shared commitment to innovation, the Center for Glass Research plans to integrate fundamental research with cutting-edge experimental and computational methods to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the glass industry today,” said Maziar Montazerian, managing director of the CGR and assistant research professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State.
The mission of the CGR is to advance glass technologies through leveraging new tools and new approaches. Resulting knowledge outcomes and technological advancements will be developed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring a seamless transition from laboratory innovations to real-world industrial applications, according to Montazerian.
“Together, Penn State, Alfred University and Missouri S&T form an ideal team,” Montazerian continued. “Each institution brings unique strengths to the table and by joining forces, each institution can systematically tackle the most complex scientific problems facing the glass industry today, problems no single institution could solve alone. This revitalised centre represents a significant step forward for glass research, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
John Mauro, department head of Materials Science and Engineering, said that today, the sector faces urgent demands like decarbonisation, advanced performance requirements and a rapidly expanding customer base. Fortunately, new tools — such as in-situ characterisation with real-time sensing, machine learning and advanced simulations of non-equilibrium materials — offer ways to meet these challenges.
To celebrate the launch of the new CGR, there will be an inaugural kick-off meeting at Penn State on October 29. This event will bring together leading experts from academia and industry to explore collaborative opportunities, share insights and set priorities for research and workforce development.
Seong Kim, head of the Penn State’s Department of Chemical Engineering and holder of the Walter L. Robb Family Department Head’s Chair, serves as the centre’s co-director along with Mauro. Kim is also a professor of materials science and engineering.