University of Connecticut |
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Research Facilities & CentersResearch CentersIMS has within its structure the ability to define research centers that address major multi-investigator basic materials research areas. Centers are formed as the technical reason exists and are dissolved when the technical need or research funding is no longer available. The present existing Centers are the long existing Electrical Insulation Research Center (EIRC) and the more recently formed Center for Advanced Deployable Nano-Sensors. » Electrical Insulation Research Center Research FacilitiesThe Institute of Materials Science has occupied an approximately 80,000 sq. ft. building on North Eagleville Road since it was completed in 1970. In 2001, IMS was expanded with a 15,000 sq. ft. addition. Approximately 40,000 sq. ft. are in use as advanced materials research laboratories. IMS houses approximately $20 million in research facilities, based on replacement value. General purpose laboratories, which are freely accessible to all IMS members, contain common instrumentation for materials characterization such as electron microscopy, mechanical testing, x-ray diffraction, surface analysis, rheology, thermal analysis and magnetic resonance. Most of these laboratories have direct assigned staff support. Special purpose laboratories with specialized research instrumentation are also fully available to IMS members after they receive the appropriate training. Additional research support facilities include an electronics shop and an instrument and machine shop. The extensive IMS research facilities are operated as a specialized service facility, SSF. User fees that apply to SSF instrumentation users are determined under strict federal guidelines. IMS laboratories are operated with strict safety guidelines working closely with the Universities health and safety offices. Safety is a primary concern in IMS and it has a safety officer to constantly monitor, update and train IMS faculty, students and staff to promote that safe practices are known and observed. |