Ohio Research Scholars Program
In 2008 an $18.1 million Ohio Research Scholars award in advanced materials from the Ohio Department of Development was announced, creating a university coalition consisting of The Ohio State University, the University of Akron and the University of Dayton. Four endowed chairs with the title of Ohio Research Scholar – two at OSU and one each at the University of Akron and the University of Dayton - are currently being established, with the first hiring to occur as early as Fall 2009.
The goal of this program, entitled Technology-Enabling and Emergent Materials, is to pioneer revolutionary approaches to accelerate the development of materials for technological impact, by evaluating emergent materials at an early stage through the application of advanced characterization and predictive modeling. By targeting the Scholars positions toward advanced microscopy, including applications toward biomaterials, chemical synthesis from bio-based sources, and scalable processing based on nanostructure-enhanced composite and also bio-based materials, this unique cluster aims to build upon and coordinate strategic strengths existing at the partnered universities in areas of international impact. A prime area of focus is the exploration and development of innovative materials that possess tailored functionalities and are derived from nontraditional (including bio-based) sources, with the state’s universities and industries being the prime beneficiaries.3 Scholars Positions at OSU
The Scholars positions at OSU have been awarded to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Chemistry. A third Scholar position is being developed within the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Science (FAES), thanks to the unprecedented collaboration between the Deans of Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences and FAES in conjunction with IMR. The three OSU positions are: (a) nanoscale materials microscopist, (b) molecular chemist, and (c) molecular biochemist. Searches have already commenced, with search committee compositions demonstrating a new level of trans-institutional collaboration, with ex-officio search committee members from each university participating in the interviews and selection process at each university.
Oversight by Materials Innovation Council
The IMR-led effort includes the formation of a Materials Innovation Council that will bring together the participating universities, two Wright Centers and relevant industry partners to create a cluster of activities surrounding the interactions between the ORSP Scholars to maximize collaboration between the university team and industry. This Council will meet annually at the IMR Materials Week event, starting in 2010.
OSU ORSP Website
Scholars Positions Available
For more information on the open Scholars positions and this Ohio Research Scholars Program in Technology Enabling and Emergent Materials, visit: http://orsp.osu.edu/