Partner with us

At the Center for Nanoscience and Technology we believe that partnerships advance the research and education mission of the University of Illinois. Linkages with industry partners and other researchers help us deliver quality education and engage in the kind of cutting-edge research that leads to

Important discoveries,

Innovative technologies, and

New products that affect the lives of all citizens.

 

The Center offers an environment that welcomes partnerships and collaborations. Those who wish to work with university researchers and students, spend time on campus, or support specific areas of research can choose from many options.

Affiliate programs

Industry Partners participating in the Center’s affiliate program interact closely with university faculty in specific research areas. The nature and mode of participation can be informal visits to research laboratories, or formally at annual workshops or campus symposia.

Consulting

Our faculty members consult on a private basis with Industry Partners. These contacts occur through the individual faculty member, not the Center directly.

Leveraging existing research

Industry Partners may leverage ongoing research at the Center.

Licensing

Industry Partners can license intellectual property, such as hardware, technology process, or software from the Center. Partners that support the research have the opportunity to negotiate beneficial licensing terms through the Office of Technology Management. http://otm.illinois.edu/

Long-term research gifts

Industry Partners also make long-term gifts dedicated to an area of research.

Personnel placement

Industry Partners sometimes place their own personnel at the Center for a limited time.

Research center funding

Some Industry Partners fund a research center, which can provide significant impetus to the Industry Partner's research direction. Funding a center entails developing a pool of talented students whose expertise can be leveraged by the Industry Partner through direct hire.

Research contracts

Some Industry Partners contract for goal-oriented research that targets a specific research area.

Research visitor program

Provides a chance for researchers from academia and industry to interact with Center faculty and students on novel, innovative, interdisciplinary research topics for an extended period.

Student interns and fellowships

Industry Partners hire student interns as a way to meet short-term needs and recruit future employees. They also offer fellowships to support students' research.