With nearly 30 Nobel prizes awarded to Princeton’s faculty and staff, Princeton University is often thought of as a source of extraordinary fundamental work that can be somewhat removed from practical applications. While many of today’s Princeton researchers continue to pursue curiosity-driven knowledge, increasing numbers among them also want to help solve the major challenges of our time in realms ranging from healthcare to sustainability to information systems.
“At Princeton, making an impact in society at large enhances the quality of our education and research, both of which are central to the University’s mission. Through our growing culture of innovation, the University is now even better placed to ensure that the ideas and innovations of its faculty and students reach the broader world.”
Rigor and relevance. This is Princeton research and innovation today.
It’s an exciting time at the University. Princeton has brought energy and determination to new programs that nurture and unleash the enterprising spirit of the University’s faculty, students, staff, and alumni.
In a state with a venerable history of discovery and innovation, Princeton has proactively broadened its efforts to connect research with the greater innovation ecosystem in New Jersey and beyond.
Encouraging entrepreneurship
Princeton University promotes entrepreneurship by offering education and training, advisory support, collaborative spaces, and funding resources.
While many efforts serve the University community, the Princeton Innovation Center aims more broadly: Science startups who wish to apply for residency in this incubator do not have to be connected to the University, and the Center’s entrepreneurship programming is open to all.
In addition, Princeton University works to connect with entrepreneurs around the globe, bringing them the latest science and innovation through a robust slate of outreach events.
Expanding research collaborations with industry
Princeton has spurred a significant increase in corporate engagement, developing novel opportunities for academic researchers to collaborate with industry.
Multidisciplinary efforts such as the Princeton Catalysis Initiative and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment offer scientists, engineers, and scholars the opportunity to explore the intersections of what were once separate fields—intersections at which breakthroughs are often made and that attract interest from industry.
Establishing academic leadership to advance research-driven innovation
Dean for Research Pablo Debenedetti has named Professor Rodney Priestley to the newly created position of Vice Dean for Innovation. This role provides University-wide academic leadership for innovation and recognizes the intrinsic relationship between research and innovation at Princeton. As a polymer scientist, Priestley has collaborated with industry and launched multiple companies related to his own research.
“In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity”
In keeping with its informal motto, Princeton is accelerating the societal impact of its inventions and opening new opportunities for its powerful research to make a difference in people’s lives.
“When I talk about innovation or entrepreneurship, it’s about bringing out what we do here as fundamental research into the real world. Princeton is part of that world, and we have a responsibility to make sure that the discoveries made here can make a difference.”
“When you think about the history of Princeton, you think about rigor, a place that does foundational research. But what’s exciting right now is the way Princeton is bringing together rigor and relevance to tackle major societal challenges and making those really take flight and get transferred out to the real world.”
