This Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program (ARFMP) award from the Research Facilities Office provides funds to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the renovation and repair of Cogswell Laboratory which houses the research and research training activities of the Department of Chemistry. This building was constructed in 1970 and has not been renovated since that time. The ARFMP grant of $600,000 and $4,900,000 provided by the grantee as cost sharing will be used to modernize these research and research training facilities. This project will address the need to improve the current research infrastructure by upgrading the air-handling system and increasing the hood capacity. An increase in the size, productivity, and quality of the research program and compliance with modern health and safety standards are changes expected to accrue from this renovation. This award contributes to the infrastructure of science by providing an improved environment for the conduct of research and for the training of quality undergraduate and graduate students. Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute has a Chemistry Department which has strength in fundamental research and yet at the same time is also highly applications-conscious. Thus the students trained in these laboratories are in demand in both basic and applied research fields.
