Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Raytheon, UMass Lowell open on-campus research institute: Industry leader’s researchers to collaborate with faculty, students to move key technologies forward through first-of-its-kind partnership

Home > Press > Raytheon, UMass Lowell open on-campus research institute: Industry leader’s researchers to collaborate with faculty, students to move key technologies forward through first-of-its-kind partnership

Abstract:
Raytheon and the University of Massachusetts Lowell today officially opened a new collaborative research facility that will advance innovative technologies in a state-of-the-art setting.

Raytheon, UMass Lowell open on-campus research institute: Industry leader’s researchers to collaborate with faculty, students to move key technologies forward through first-of-its-kind partnership

Lowell, MA | Posted on October 11th, 2014

The Raytheon-UMass Lowell Research Institute (RURI) is located at the university's Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center. Raytheon has committed $3 million with options to $5 million throughout the next 10 years to establish the facility, which includes laboratories and other space for collaboration on research between Raytheon researchers and UMass Lowell faculty and students.

Through the on-campus partnership, a first for Raytheon, UMass Lowell students will gain real-world experience and employment opportunities with the company, which already employs approximately 1,000 UMass Lowell alumni.

"With this new and unique partnership, we are proud to become the first academic institution to have Raytheon researchers ‘embedded' on its campus," said UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan. "The Raytheon-UMass Lowell collaboration is one example of how this campus is leading the way in working with industry. We hope this research institute becomes a model for industry-academic collaboration that will power innovation, job creation and workforce development in Massachusetts and be replicated elsewhere."

"I look forward to a future of advancements in new materials, devices, sensors and systems that can take place in this facility. It is a place where UMass Lowell's next generation of innovators can work side-by-side with Raytheon's established aerospace and defense experts," said Paul Ferraro, vice president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Advanced Technology Program. "It is a place where we can benefit from everything that UMass Lowell has to offer: world-class faculty, modern facilities and eager and energetic students."

Initial research will focus on technologies for radar and communication systems and could expand into other areas. The institute will tap UMass Lowell's strength in emerging fields such as nanotechnology and printed electronics that align with Raytheon's strategic technology needs.

"These are two premier institutions coming together to create a new model. The synergy between academia and private industry is so important and very reflective of the unique ecosystem in Massachusetts," said U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas. "I look forward to what I know will be great outcomes here."

The new institute is co-directed by Dr. Christopher McCarroll of Raytheon and UMass Lowell Prof. Craig Armiento, Ph.D., a faculty member in electrical and computer engineering in the university's College of Engineering. The college's dean, Joseph Hartman, and UMass Lowell's Vice Provost for Research Julie Chen were among the speakers at the event, along with Lowell Mayor Rodney Elliott.

"The relationship between the city and the university extends across a range of commercial, social and cultural activities that are central to the vitality of both entities. The university's presence enriches both our local economy and the quality of life in Lowell. Today, we warmly welcome Raytheon to our community. We believe that you will find the same spirit of innovation in Lowell that inspired the Industrial Revolution," said Elliott.

The home of the institute, the Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center was constructed to provide not only UMass Lowell faculty and students with the most advanced research facility of its kind north of Boston, but also to support collaboration with businesses from startups to world leaders like Raytheon.

The 84,000-square-foot center is one of 10 new buildings opened in five years by UMass Lowell, which has seen enrollment grow nearly 50 percent to more than 17,000 since 2008 and its national rankings rise for quality and graduates' return on investment. UMass Lowell's research enterprise has grown 75 percent since 2007 and includes all academic departments.

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About University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 17,000 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers.

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