The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Washington have launched the Northwest Institute for Materials Physics, Chemistry and Technology (NW IMPACT), a project focusing on the development of materials for energy, telecommunications, medicine, information technology and other applications. This includes materials for energy conversion and storage, such as solar cells, batteries and industrial applications; quantum materials, such as ultrathin semiconductor; and materials for water separation and utilization. ’This partnership holds enormous potential for innovations in material science that could lead to major changes in our lives and the world,’ said NW president Ana Mari Cauce. ’The science of making new materials is vital to a wide range of advancements, many of which we have yet to imagine,’ added PNNL director Steven Ashby. ’By combining ideas, talent and resources, I have no doubt our two organizations will find new ways to improve lives and provide our next generation of materials scientists with valuable research opportunities.’ Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; www.pnnl.gov