Binghamton leads new ‘Network of Excellence’
The State University of New York recently launched the first of four SUNY Networks of Excellence to support increased research collaborations between SUNY and industry partners in order to spur commercialization activities. The 4E Network will focus on societal challenges in energy, the
environment, economics and education.
SUNY Networks of Excellence are part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Innovation Agenda, which also includes START-UP NY, incubator “Hot Spots,” the New York State Venture Capital Fund and the NYS Innovation Network.
Binghamton University has a role in leading the 4E Network of Excellence, along with the University at Albany and the College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Future networks will include SUNY Health Now, SUNY Brain and SUNY Materials and Advanced Manufacturing.
“These SUNY Networks of Excellence will bring together our top scientists and researchers to further our understanding of pressing societal issues, and in turn draw new venture capital to invest in commercialization activities that address our challenges in energy, the environment, economics and education,” Cuomo said.
Each network will assemble scientists and scholars from SUNY campuses across the state to collaborate on topic-specific joint research programs, creating a more focused and efficient research environment in New York State while increasing academic and career opportunities for students.
The Research Foundation has committed $4 million to support the Research Networks of Excellence. Each network will be coordinated by a consortium of SUNY campuses, which will direct and oversee a competitive grant award process. The first round of 4E research projects will receive funding in December.
“I’m excited to work with faculty on this transformative area of research,” said Bahgat Sammakia, vice president for research at Binghamton. “If we can solve major challenges related to energy and the environment, our communities will benefit and so will our society. The Networks of Excellence program has the potential to bring national and global recognition as well as significant research funding to our campuses.”