On February 3-5, 2009, the National Science Foundation (NSF) conducted a third year renewal site visit of the Engineering Research Center for Mid-InfraRed Technologies for Health and the Environment (MIRTHE) at Princeton University (see detailed agenda).  At the start of Day 1, Center director Claire Gmachl presented an overview of the Center’s research, education and technology transfer initiatives, followed by each of the Center’s research thrust leaders giving talks on research progress and accomplishments.  Center research and industrial collaborations were highlighted during an afternoon poster session (for a listing with posters click here).  Day 1 concluded with a presentation on MIRTHE’s industry program by Bernadeta Wysocka, MIRTHE’s new industrial liaison, and an executive session with the site visit team and our industrial advisory board.

Day 2 started with an early morning executive session with the site visit team and senior administrators from all of the MIRTHE academic partner institutions, including Princeton University president Shirley Tilghman and UMBC president Freeman Hrabowski.  The participation and remarks by all of the university representatives underscored the deep commitment by each institution to MIRTHE, and recognition of the transformational impact that the NSF ERC award makes possible. Presentations resumed in Bowen Hall on MIRTHE’s educational programs and an executive session with MIRTHE’s Student Leadership Council and external Education Evaluator.

The afternoon provided an opportunity for the site visit team to meet with MIRTHE’s Scientific Advisory Board and to tour a number of key facilities and see demonstrations of MIRTHE technology.  The afternoon session concluded with an overview of the Center’s infrastructure and resources, and a presentation on MIRTHE plans for future years.

Day 3 provided MIRTHE’s leadership team the opportunity to respond to questions by the site visit team, and concluded with the site visit team’s development of a detailed report to the NSF.  The preliminary feedback to the Center is quite favorable.  Please visit our site for future updates on the renewal process.

MIRTHE IAB Chair Tim Day, of Daylight Solutions, and Lynn Preston, NSF ERC Leader.	NSF Program Director for MIRTHE, Deborah Jackson in the MBE growth facility.