Frank Leibfarth, the Royce Murray Distinguished Term Professor of Chemistry, says the Eastman partnership has supported innovative research. (Photo by Donn Young)
Earlier this year, UNC-Chapel Hill renewed its research partnership with Eastman, a global specialty materials company based in Kingsport, Tennessee. The partnership now extends through 2031, doubling down on a shared investment in innovation. Since 2013, their master research agreement has yielded substantial returns for both organizations — and for the broader fields of chemistry, materials science and engineering.
Over the next six years, Eastman will provide no less than $3 million to fund collaborative research projects with Carolina scientists, support site visits between the institutions and co-develop proposals for federal or other external funding. The partnership covers a wide swath of chemical and materials science research and technology development.
“For more than a decade, our partnership with Eastman has been a catalyst for accelerating Carolina’s growth in applied sciences,” said Penny Gordon-Larsen, vice chancellor for research. “What started as a partnership in chemistry and materials science has grown into a campus-wide engine for innovation — proving what’s possible when industry and academia join forces with purpose.”
For the chemistry department in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, the Eastman partnership has been a catalyst for growth. Frank Leibfarth, the Royce Murray Distinguished Term Professor of Chemistry, said that in one Eastman-supported research project, postdocs and graduate and undergraduate students in his lab are leveraging Eastman’s advances in BPA-free polyesters to develop sustainable, solvent-free processes that uncover advanced plastics with unique combinations of strength and flexibility for applications in coatings, adhesives and films. The project involves work at Carolina combined with monthly feedback from an Eastman scientist, providing a vibrant exchange of ideas that has created immense value for both sides.
“I have been especially appreciative of how the partnership with Eastman has enhanced the educational experience of UNC trainees,” said Leibfarth. “The investment and contributions of the Eastman scientist make us think about problems differently and teach us how to solve problems with a closer eye toward the eventual application. This experience is excellent exposure to a way of thinking that is uncommon in academia, and it provides exceptional preparation for trainees who want to become industrial scientists.”
The connection has proved so fertile that many Carolina-trained chemists are now among Eastman’s scientific ranks. One of them is Chris Killian, who earned a doctorate in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill and now serves as Eastman’s senior vice president and chief technology and sustainability officer.
“Our collaboration with UNC is one of the most productive academic relationships we’ve had,” said Killian. “We’ve been able to tackle real-world challenges together while investing in the future of science through student mentorship and development. We view UNC as a strategic partner in not just research, but talent development.”
The renewed agreement reinforces the partnership through a range of collaborative mechanisms:
- Sponsored research projects funded either through formal calls for proposals or more informal channels
- On-site exchanges, including Carolina students and faculty visiting Eastman manufacturing facilities, and Eastman scientists collaborating on campus or remotely via teleconference
- Joint proposals for federal and other third-party funding
- Workforce development, with graduate students and postdocs transitioning seamlessly into industrial roles at Eastman
As part of the agreement, Eastman will contribute up to $50,000 annually to support activities that may include supporting the Eastman Lecture Series, BeAM makerspace materials, student competitions and challenges, departmental programs, recruitment efforts and visiting lectures.
Eastman and UNC have also partnered through the Student Teams Achieving Results program at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Using a data-driven consultative approach, a team of six bright business students, guided by an experienced faculty adviser, develop actionable recommendations for complex business challenges.
Story originally published by the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. Read more about the Carolina-Eastman research partnership.
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