Penn State has launched a new Center for Glass Research, consolidating expertise from Penn State, Alfred University, and Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) to tackle today’s complex glass science challenges. The center aims to accelerate technological innovations, advance sustainable glass manufacturing, and cultivate a skilled workforce for the evolving industry.
“United by a shared commitment to innovation, the CGR integrates fundamental research with experimental techniques, real-time sensing, machine learning, and high-fidelity simulations of non-equilibrium glass materials,” said Maziar Montazerian, CGR managing director and assistant research professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State.
Penn State’s leadership in glass research dates to the late 1930s with pioneers Woldemar Weyl and Norbert Kreidl, whose work in glass chemistry and physics underpinned modern materials science. Between 1996 and 2006, a prior CGR, funded by the NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center Program, drove breakthroughs in defense glass, biomedical devices, and energy-efficient manufacturing, while establishing partnerships with major U.S. glass producers.
The new CGR builds on this legacy, addressing current challenges such as decarbonization, high-performance specialty glass, and rapid customization for expanding markets. 
The center will officially launch with a kickoff meeting at Penn State on Oct. 29, bringing together academic and industry leaders to explore joint research projects, workforce training programs, and advanced glass technologies. Seong Kim, professor of materials science and engineering, will co-direct alongside John Mauro, department head and Dorothy Pate Enright Professor, guiding the CGR’s mission to transform both science and industry.
Source: psu.edu with additional information added by Glass Balkan
