Materials Research Institute seed grants aim to spark interdisciplinary research
| psu.edu
The Materials Research Institute (MRI) offers the MRI Interdisciplinary Seed Grant to Penn State researchers that encourage high-risk, high-impact collaborative projects across multiple disciplines with great potential for societal benefit. The call for proposals is now open for 2026-27, with applications due by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 30.
Industry leaders join Penn State to shape the future of Sustainable Labs Program
| psu.edu
Penn State’s Sustainable Labs Program recently hosted its inaugural Industry Day, bringing together industry leaders, graduate researchers, campus partners and undergraduate sustainability consultants. The day strengthened connections between student learning and industry expertise and shaped a long-term vision for sustainable research spaces through hands-on opportunities that build sustainability knowledge and professional skills.
LionGlass windows, windshields in development with Vitro Architectural Glass
| psu.edu
LionGlass — a stronger and more sustainable glass invented at Penn State — may soon be developed for windows and windshields, thanks to a new partnership with North America’s largest architectural glass manufacturer Vitro Architectural Glass. The company signed a multi-year research agreement to scale up the new, patent-pending glass technology for use in flat glass applications across architectural and automotive markets.
Engineering professor receives DOE Early Career Research Program Award
| psu.edu
Yang Yang, assistant professor of engineering science and mechanics at Penn State, received the 2025 U.S. Department of Energy Early Career Research Program Award for his work on how radiation affects metallic glasses. His research aims to advance safer, more resilient materials for next-generation nuclear reactors.
The next frontier in space is closer than you think – welcome to the world of very low Earth orbit satellites
| theconversation.com
The closer to Earth a satellite flies, the clearer a picture it can take of the surface. But low-flying satellites also have to deal with atmospheric drag.
Convening showcases Penn State’s leadership in critical minerals
| psu.edu
Led by Penn State's EMS Energy Institute, a December gathering at University Park drew about 100 scholars, industry representatives and government experts in critical minerals. They emphasized cooperation as the federal government introduces nearly $1 billion to support critical minerals and materials development.
Institute for Computational and Data Sciences funds eight mid-scale seed grants
| psu.edu
The Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences' Mid-Scale Seed Grant Program has awarded eight teams of Penn State researchers for projects that will contribute to one or more of the institute's research hubs or affiliated centers.
American Nuclear Society names Penn State professor to 40 under 40 list
| psu.edu
Penn State Professor of Nuclear Engineering Stefano Terlizzi was named to the 2025 American Nuclear Society's 40 Under 40 list, recognizing rising leaders shaping the future of nuclear science and technology.
Transparent ceramic could boost internet speeds and cut energy use
| psu.edu
A new class of ceramics are not only transparent, but they can control light with exceptional efficiency — better than any theories predicted. Now, an advanced theory put forth by researcher at Penn State may explain why this material is so good at light control, which could lead to large-scale manufacturing of these materials for faster, smaller and more energy efficient technologies used in high-speed communications, medical imaging and advanced sensing.
Penn State chemist named 2026 Optica Fellow
| psu.edu
Ken Knappenberger, department head and professor of chemistry in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, was selected as a 2026 Optica Fellow. Fellows are selected based on factors including outstanding contributions to research, business, education, engineering and service to Optica and the community.
Even with Trump’s support, coal power remains expensive – and dangerous
| by Hannah Wiseman, Seth Blumsack
As projections of U.S. electricity demand rise sharply, President Donald Trump is looking to coal – historically a dominant force in the U.S. energy economy – as a key part of the solution.
Fusion energy research fellowship supports nuclear engineering grad student
| psu.edu
Camila Lopez Perez, a doctoral student in nuclear engineering, received the Dr. Robert A. Ellis Fellowship to support her research on improving materials for fusion energy reactors. Her work focuses on advancing lithium coating techniques and testing new plasma-facing materials to help make fusion energy more efficient and sustainable.