Industry Research Summit at Kettering University Explores Future Collaborations Under NSF EPIIC Grant

Industry Research Summit at Kettering University Explores Future Collaborations Under NSF EPIIC Grant

The inaugural Industry Research Summit - the first occasion to bring collaborators together at Kettering University under the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program's Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies (EMERGE) grant - was held on May 17, 2024.

The EMERGE Cohort includes Kettering University, University of the Incarnate Word, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Carolina University. Cohort members share a common vision to EMERGE as recognized partners in research and development, translating research into practice, and in talent development in emerging technology. The U.S. NSF awards EPIIC grants of three years in length to up to 50 institutions each year. Each award is worth up to $400,000 per recipient institution.

In line with the EMERGE goals, the Industry Research Summit featured distinguished speakers and engaging discussions to enhance partnerships between Kettering University and industry stakeholders. Representing General Motors, Dr. Jeff Abell '85 delivered the keynote address, emphasizing successful collaboration models.

"The phrase, 'Necessity is the mother of invention,' is really the starting point for industry. We will not work on projects or research or partnerships that do not fulfill one of our needs," said Dr. Abell, a former member of the Kettering faculty. "And from my own university experience, it's very difficult to know what these needs are unless you are very close to an industry partner."

During the daylong Summit, attendees engaged in interactive discussions and breakout sessions to enhance Kettering University's industry collaborations through classroom-based and cutting-edge research. The event culminated in a poster exhibit where faculty showcased their research goals, identifying opportunities for future partnerships.

Dr. Diane Peters, Kettering University Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is the principal investigator of the EMERGE project. "The Industry Research Summit is a key part of our activities since it serves as a springboard for all the other things we want to achieve," Dr. Peters said. "It's enabled us to get input from multiple voices on how to accomplish our goals and given us some great new ideas to add to the activities we set forth in the original plans."

Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean of Kettering's College of Engineering, and Dr. Javad Baqersad, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, are co-principal investigators.

The insights and recommendations from all Summit participants will be compiled into a report that will be a blueprint for Kettering University's Year 2 plans for the NSF EPIIC grant. Proposed initiatives include establishing a graduate internship program and developing opportunities for faculty to engage in industry-focused research during non-teaching periods.