With new projects underway, and exciting 2023 awaits

Groundbreaking research has been a pillar of the Case School of Engineering since the beginning. In 2022, we saw a record number of our faculty receive impressive grants and awards that exemplify the transformative ideas that come to life here as they work to uncover solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. Each year we continue to advance, and I expect 2023 will be no different.

Across all departments and throughout the university, our research strengths help us solve problems that enhance the human condition and make a positive impact on society. Over the years, we have seen that the results of these efforts are particularly strong when we work together with our colleagues from across the university, bringing strengths from various disciplines to solve them.

One such team of researchers is finding new ways to apply data analytics to study materials degradation in applications as diverse as solar panels, nitrogen from fertilizer and the nation’s nuclear stockpile. These projects will revolutionize the study of materials by bringing together a diverse group of people who offer expertise in various disciplines, resulting in better, longer-lasting materials and systems.

In a similar light, through partnerships with the Institute for Smart, Secure and Connected Systems, we are helping to advance technology specifically addressing the social disparities that exist right here in Cleveland. This work will bring internet access to disconnected neighbors in the city, changing the way people are able to live. Through training for our future leaders in areas like data equity and human rights in the technology field, we can also ensure the impact of this work continues for years to come.

Collaborations like these are crucial to our mission. To inspire more of this work, we plan to bring researchers together under one roof with a new campus building where science and engineering researchers can easily share ideas, discuss challenges and create solutions. We envision a building that will be a hub of ‘thinking beyond the possible’, with halls that are filled with conversations among our university’s top researchers, uncovering new ways to work together to improve our world. Later in the magazine, President Kaler will discuss more about the project and how it will impact our future.

I look forward to seeing what 2023 brings as we forge ahead in our mission to solve the world’s most pressing problems. My sincerest thanks to all in the Case community who join us in this effort.