How the Materials Innovation Platform Uses the Best Technologies to Advance Materials Research

The strength of the MIP program lies in collaboration not only among researchers within the program but also with users outside of the program and across the country. Each platform has state-of-the-art facilities that are available for use outside of the universities in which they are housed, which helps further the overarching goal of expanding and accelerating research in these areas.

The 2026 SFG Annual Meeting

meeting

The 2026 SFG Annual Meeting

Sun Nov 8, 2026, 9:00AM - Wed Nov 11, 2026, 5:00PM

Join glycobiologists from around the world for several days of cutting-edge science, collaboration, and community. The Annual Meeting brings together leaders, early-career investigators, and trainees to share the latest advances in glycobiology research and foster meaningful connections across the field.

ACS Spring 2026

ACS Spring 2026

Sun Mar 22, 2026, 9:00AM - Thu Mar 26, 2026, 5:00PM

Access breakthrough science, career-boosting events, and a community that’s shaping the future of chemistry.

Featured News

A First-of-Its-Kind Crystal Growth Method Advances Stoichiometry Control at Penn State

Large single crystals with precise stoichiometry control are the cornerstones of modern-day microelectronics, global positioning systems, optical communications, energy harvesting, etc. In addition, fundamental research also relies heavily on ideal single crystals to access intrinsic properties. One central challenge in crystal growth by conventional techniques such as Czochralski and Bridgman is that large, high-quality crystals can be grown only for congruent melting compositions where the solid and liquid compositions are the same.

2DCC-MIP Collaboration Expands Undergraduate Research at Kenyon College

Frank Peiris, professor of physics at Kenyon College, is leveraging the capabilities of the 2D Crystal Consortium–Materials Innovation Platform (2DCC-MIP) at Penn State to engage undergraduates in cutting-edge studies of thin-film growth and electronic structure.

Q&A: Growing Novel Ultra-Pure Materials for Tomorrow’s Electronics

Jamie Oberdick profiles Qihua 'David' Zhang, a Penn State 2DCC postdoc advancing chalcogenide materials (S, Se, Te with metals) for electronics. Using molecular beam epitaxy in ultra-high vacuum, he achieves pristine, precise films. The 2DCC and Stephanie Law foster collaboration. Zhang aims to reveal new properties to enable future devices.

2DCC-MIP User Engages Undergraduate Researchers in Computational Studies of Metal Chalcogenides

Kate Plass, Professor of Chemistry at Franklin & Marshall College, is expanding research and educational opportunities for undergraduates through her group’s collaboration with the 2D Crystal Consortium–Materials Innovation Platform (2DCC-MIP) at Penn State.

UC Santa Barbara, UCLA’s BioPACIFIC MIP earns renewed NSF support to accelerate AI-driven biobased materials innovation

The U.S. National Science Foundation has renewed funding for BioPACIFIC MIP — Biomaterials, Polymers and Advanced Constructs from Integrated Chemistry Materials Innovation Platform — a collaboration between UC Santa Barbara and UCLA that provides a unique scientific ecosystem for the United States. This $19.8 million renewal empowers BioPACIFIC MIP to continue advancing the frontier of biobased materials, uniting synthetic biology, chemistry, automation and artificial intelligence to reshape how materials are discovered, designed and deployed.

Collect plasmids — fast, easy and consistently — with BioPACIFIC MIP at UCLA Automated System

The BioPACIFIC MIP at UCLA offers an automated high-throughput system for isolating plasmid DNA from microbes. This platform enhances efficiency in research across biotechnology and life sciences, processing up to 96 minipreps simultaneously with minimal human intervention. Researchers can achieve high-purity plasmids swiftly, supporting various applications.

Tools of Discovery: How new equipment is powering research breakthroughs at Penn State

Penn State's advanced lab tools, including a unique double-crucible vertical Bridgman furnace and in situ testing capabilities, are enabling breakthroughs in materials science. These innovations allow researchers to grow ultra-pure crystals and study material behaviors in real-world conditions, paving the way for future technologies like advanced computing and flexible electronics.

World’s first 2D, non-silicon computer developed

Researchers at Penn State have developed a CMOS computer using two-dimensional materials, marking a significant advancement in semiconductor technology. Unlike silicon, these materials maintain performance at atomic thickness. This innovation could lead to faster, energy-efficient electronics, emphasizing the potential of 2D materials over traditional silicon in future computing.

Heather Maynard elected to the National Academy of Sciences

UCLA Professor Heather Maynard has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, recognizing her significant contributions to polymer chemistry and biomaterials. This honor highlights her impact on the scientific community and her dedication to innovation, aligning with BioPACIFIC MIP's mission.

Rachel Segalman named fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Rachel Segalman of UC Santa Barbara has been elected a 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, recognizing her contributions to materials science and polymer engineering. She is one of 46 UC researchers honored, showcasing the university's leadership in scientific advancement.