Taft Congratulates The Ohio State University for National Science Foundation Award
COLUMBUS, OHIO (September 22, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today congratulated The Ohio State University for its recent $12.9 million National Science Foundation (NSF) award to create a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC). A $2 million grant awarded through Governor Taft's Third Frontier Project was a critical component in helping secure the NSF grant.
"One of the major thrusts of our Third Frontier Project is to attract federal, early stage and venture capital dollars to Ohio, and this is proof of that happening," Taft said. "I congratulate The Ohio State University on its prestigious award, and I look forward to the discoveries it will make in this cutting-edge industry."
Awarded to universities, NSF NSEC grants are designed to bring researchers, industry, and government laboratory partners together to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges in nanoscale science and engineering. The Ohio State University is one of six new centers awarded the NSF grant money. Competition for National Science Foundation funding is fierce, with only 25 percent of proposals being funded.
Using the NSF grant, The Ohio State University will create The Center for Affordable Nanoengineering of Polymer Biomedical Devices. This Center will develop polymer-based, low-cost nanoengineering technology that can be used to produce nanodevices and structures for the next generation medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Additionally, through education and outreach programs, the Center hopes to impart multidisciplinary skills and global awareness to both graduate and undergraduate students, and create web-based science modules for K-12 students nationwide. The Ohio State University NSEC will be directed by Dr. L. James Lee.
"The money we received through the Third Frontier was critical to our ability to secure this NSF funding," said Dr. Lee. "The equipment purchased and knowledge gained through the Third Frontier grant helped make us a more competitive candidate for federal funding." Dr. Lee also noted that OSU is currently leading a 6-university Third Frontier project to further expand the impact of the NSF award for broad industrial applications in Ohio.
In 2003, OSU received $2 million in Wright Capital Project funds for their "Low Cost Nanocomposite Foam Project." That project is developing new polymer foams to be used in insulation materials for the construction industry. According to State Development Director Bruce Johnson, similarities between the principles guiding NSF funding for NSECs and those of the Third Frontier Project show that Ohio is on the right track in terms of expanding high-tech research capabilities, promoting innovation, and encouraging company formation—all of which are necessary to secure good paying jobs in the knowledge economy. Both programs support collaboration efforts between commercial and non-profit sectors such as universities and government organizations, as well as promote educational outreach and workforce training programs. To date, more than $220 million has been awarded through the $1.1 billion Third Frontier Project.
