UA to Partner with OSU and UD in Third Frontier Grant

Akron, Ohio, May 20, 2008 ― The University of Akron will partner with Ohio State University and the University of Dayton to study emergent materials under an $18 million grant announced today by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor and commission member Eric Fingerhut.

The grant is one of several totaling more than $143 million announced today.

The OSU-led study aims to expand research and pioneer revolutionary approaches to materials development by leveraging the strengths of the three universities, and accelerating materials innovation and commercialization.

Two Research Scholar positions at OSU and one each at UA and UD will be funded by the grant.

The collaboration was one of 10 recommended by the commission between University System of Ohio schools, private universities and industry partners throughout the state in grants through the Ohio Research Scholars Program.

“The addition of 26 new Research Scholars through these recommendations is an unprecedented achievement that strengthens and deepens Ohio's higher education institutions and growing centers of excellence,” says The Ohio Board of Regents.

“These projects will stimulate research in areas of extreme importance to Ohio's economy such as advanced materials, bio-imaging, spinal implants, photovoltaics, and power and propulsion. The awards are contingent upon State Controlling Board approval,” it adds.

The University of Akron has received on its own or as a partner several Third Frontier grants, including one awarded in December 2006 totaling nearly $12 million. UA was awarded $8 million directly as lead institution for the development of next-generation electronic, photonic and high-performance nanocomposite products.

It has also received grants solely or with partners for participation in the Third Frontier's Wright Center of Innovation program.

The Third Frontier Project, begun in 2002, is the state's largest-ever commitment to expanding Ohio's high-tech research capabilities and promoting innovation and company formation to create high-paying jobs.

The 10-year, $1.6 billion initiative is helping build world-class research capacity, supporting early-stage capital formation and the development of new products, and financing advanced manufacturing technologies to help existing industries become more productive.

Through the Third Frontier Project, additional federal and private sector support can boost the total investment to more than $6 billion.

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