UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
April 2010
UH Collaboration With Irish University Focuses On Energy

The University of Houston plans to pursue research and education partnerships with the Dublin Institute of Technology, especially in the field of alternative energy.

The memorandum of understanding signed by the two schools this month stems in part from the efforts of Seamus Curran, an associate professor of physics at UH and director of the university’s Institute for NanoEnergy.

Curran, a native of Ireland, has worked to forge a relationship between UH and Dublin. The agreement paves the way for future projects such as joint research endeavors and faculty and student exchanges. The agreement was signed by UH President Renu Khator and DIT President Brian Norton.    

"We are committed to providing our students with a nationally competitive global education in which they'll get to know and interact with students from around the world," Khator said. "Collaboration with respected technology institutes like the Dublin Institute of Technology enhances the global perspective of our students and strengthens the comprehensive education offered at UH."

DIT is one of Ireland’s leading universities and has about 20,000 students.

Energy will be the focus of cooperation between the two schools with Curran’s Institute for NanoEnergy spearheading collaborations in materials science as it relates to wind and solar power.

The institute is comprised of about two dozen UH physics faculty and researchers. Their work focuses on applying nanotechnology to improving solar cells, energy storage, wind turbines and other alternative energy solutions.
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