Partner with the Materials Research Institute
The Visiting Industry Representative (VIR) Program fosters deeper engagement between industry partners and the Penn State Materials Research Institute (MRI). This program strengthens connections, delivering significant value to both parties.
Program Benefits
Participants can expect:
- Identification of research topics of mutual interest and new sponsored research opportunities
- Expanded access to research faculty, facilities, and services across Penn State
- Greater awareness and use of executive education and training programs
- Increased student engagement opportunities
Each company is assigned an industry liaison who facilitates collaboration by:
- Understanding the company’s technology needs and aligning them with Penn State resources
- Developing strategic action plans to build multi-component partnerships
- Identifying opportunities for joint federally funded research
- Organizing regular planning and progress meetings
- Engaging VIR participants in seminars and colloquia
- Providing access to shared workspace in relevant research facilities
- Materials Characterization Lab (MCL)
- Nanofabrication Lab (Nanofab)
- 2D Crystal Consortium - Materials Innovation Platform (2DCC-MIP)
- Materials Computation Center (MCC)
- ...and many other facilities
Program Details
- Duration: One year, renewable annually
- Collaboration Fee: $15,000 per year
For more information, contact Dave Fecko, MRI Director of Industry Research Collaborations at dlf5023@psu.edu.