Members of the Technology Forum of Delaware got a glimpse this week of the new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory (ISE) at the University of Delaware.
The 194,000 square-foot structure, built at a reported cost of $132 million, opened in October 2013. Construction is continuing in a few areas.
The massive complex is designed to “tear down walls,” said Charles Riordan vice provost for research. The walls typically separate researchers from graduate students undergrads are not present at ISE.
The lack of walls also aims to foster a spirit of collaboration among students and researchers that will solve problems facing society. At UD that can include a range of areas including the medical field.
Riordan said. UD also hopes to lure more top researchers who are drawn to the state-of-the-art instruments, technology and access to students.
Nowhere to be seen are massive lecture halls. Instead, the largest classroom seats fewer than 50.
The collaboration means bringing in non “STEM” disciplines such as the social sciences and the humanities. For example, researchers studying climate change need to collaborate with the social sciences and communicators in moving their work forward.
One example of the collaboration came when ISE was able to make a violin with a 3D printer, at the request of a music faculty member.
The center is also involved in nanotechnology and nanofabrication of tiny particles.
Riordan said the laboratory is inviting businesses to collaborate on moving research to the marketplace.
ISE is a busy place, with upwards of 3,500 students using its facilities on the busiest days of the week. It is a destination for most students taking biology and chemistry courses.
In a related note, Michael Bowman, director of the Delaware Small Business Development Center, highlighted the organization’s Digital Compass program.
The SBDC is based at the University of Delaware, with support from UD, the Small Business Administration and the State of Delaware.
Digital Compass offers worldwide web, information technology, social media, video and related assistance to help smaller businesses in the state.
The Delaware Technology Forum is dedicated to promoting technology business growth by helping businesses and individuals acquire the knowledge, relationships and resources needed to compete and succeed in the global economy.
