When analyzing progress toward a more sustainable future in the U.S., scientists frequently complain about a lack of investment in research. Now, the National Science Foundation is responding by investing $55 billion in three new Engineering Research Centers. These ERCs will take on challenges in energy, sustainability, and infrastructure by creating innovative technology platforms to transform entire industries.
The three centers will focus on compact mobile power, off-grid water treatment and nature-inspired soil engineering, respectively. The POETS Center will work on putting more power into less space for mobile electrical technologies. The NEWT Center will develop high-performance, easy-to-deploy water treatment systems. And the CBBG Center will investigate natural underground biological processes to reduce construction costs and environmental impacts. There are 17 more ERCs around the country, all at work in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and health care, energy and infrastructure, and microelectronics. The goal of all is to produce innovations to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness and societal well being.
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