Rowland Institute for Science

Rowland Institute for Science

Formation	1980
Founder	Edwin H. Land
Type	Research institute
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Fields	Physics, Chemistry, Material Science

The Rowland Institute for Science is a research institute located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is affiliated with Harvard University. It was founded in 1980 by Edwin H. Land, the inventor of the Polaroid instant camera. The institute is dedicated to advancing science in the fields of physics, chemistry, and material science through innovative, interdisciplinary research.

History

The Rowland Institute was originally established as an independent, nonprofit organization aimed at fostering creative and innovative research in science and engineering. The founder, Edwin H. Land, envisioned a place where small groups of exceptional scientists could collaborate freely across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

In 2002, the Rowland Institute became part of Harvard University, specifically merging with the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This merger expanded the resources available to the institute while maintaining its original mission of pioneering research.

Research and Impact

The Rowland Institute at Harvard is renowned for its unique approach to research. It supports small, focused groups of researchers, known as Rowland Fellows, who are selected for their potential to become leaders in their respective fields. These fellows work on projects that span multiple disciplines, often creating new areas of study.

The institute's contributions to science include advancements in nanotechnology, optical and electronic materials, and energy conversion and storage. Its researchers have also made significant strides in understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials at the molecular and atomic levels.

Facilities

The Rowland Institute is housed in a specially designed facility that encourages interaction and collaboration among researchers. The building includes state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and communal spaces that are structured to foster an open and collaborative research environment.

Notable Researchers and Alumni

Over the years, the Rowland Institute has been home to many distinguished scientists who have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. These include leaders in academia, industry, and government who have continued to influence scientific research and policy.

See Also

• Harvard University
• Edwin H. Land
• Interdisciplinary research
• Innovation in science