News

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have won a $1.6 million federal grant to develop new methods for manufacturing a key fuel cell component. The multi-year grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to create new technology and processes for faster, more cost-effective manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Comprised of a stacked proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst, and electrodes, MEAs are the heart and soul of a fuel cell. 

Two groups of Rensselaer researchers each have received a $1.08 million grant from New York through the state’s stem cell research initiative. Both grants will fund research on the growth and development of stem cells and will provide some of the first insights available into the role specific genes and biological molecules play in stem cell function in the human body. 

This is a rendering of the MineWerks patent-pending detection system that can sense the presence of many dangerous compounds from a distance.

A new study answers a key question at the very heart of nanotechnology: Why are nanorods so small? Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered the origins of nanorod diameter, demonstrating that the competition and collaboration among various mechanisms of atomic transport hold the key to nanorod size. The researchers say it is the first study to identify the fundamental reasons why nearly all nanorods have a diameter on the order of 100 nanometers.

Stellenbosch University, one of the premier research universities in South Africa, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technological research university in the United States, are teaming up to expand science and engineering capacity and to encourage young people to focus their energies on addressing the great global challenges of our time. The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony today in Stellenbosch. 

BusinessWeek has ranked Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management & Technology 36th in the nation, according to the magazine’s 2009 list of top 50 undergraduate business programs. The Lally School also came in at number 21 on the list of institutions ranked for academic quality. In 2007, the Lally School was one of nine new schools to be named to the BusinessWeek’s list, making its debut at number 40.

Institute to Launch Cross-Cultural Collaborations in Science and Engineering Research, Education, and Development in Africa Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson is leading a delegation from the Institute to Africa, from March 14 to March 22, 2009, to expand its collaborations in the region. Delegation members will meet with academic, scientific, business and government leaders in South Africa and Ghana to discuss capacity-building opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Class of ’51 Student Entrepreneurship Award supports innovation in patent-pending detection system, light therapy technology Ideas for a patent-pending detection system and a light therapy technology have both received funding by the Rensselaer Class of ’51 Student Entrepreneurship Award, established to help transform student ideas into successful ventures.

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing on March 3 of Harry Apkarian ’46, member of the Rensselaer Board of Trustees — serving continually since 1969, as adjunct, active, and most recently, honorary trustee — and longtime friend of the Institute.