Research at NDSU Facing Changes

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A loss of federal earmark funding is prompting changes for applied research at North Dakota State University.

The university used tens of millions in Congressional earmarks to fund research. But a recent federal earmark ban is forcing the NDSU's Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering to look at other possibilities. Researchers at CNSE are developing coatings for Navy ships, among other projects.

The Forum reports (http://bit.ly/se6xp0) that NDSU is looking at how to restructure CNSE to attract funding from private companies. One option is to create a private nonprofit organization that would be affiliated with NDSU and focused on commercializing research.

Vice president for research Phil Boudjouk says CNSE is going to focus on areas that have the most potential for private funding — microelectronics and coatings.

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Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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