Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Eastman have signed a new six-year master research agreement that will expand a partnership focused on innovation, advanced manufacturing and workforce development.
Under the agreement, Eastman will invest at least $3 million over the next six years to support sponsored research projects, service agreements and a variety of university-industry initiatives.
The new deal marks the third master research agreement between the two organizations and extends a collaboration that began in 2015.
Partnership Focused on Innovation
University leaders say the agreement will strengthen efforts to transform scientific discoveries into practical technologies and products.
“This renewed master research agreement underscores the power of sustained university-industry collaboration to turn breakthrough science into real-world impact,” said Deb Crawford, UT’s vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development.
Crawford said the partnership provides valuable opportunities for students and researchers to work on projects with direct industry applications while supporting economic growth and innovation throughout the region.
Research Spans Multiple Industries
Over the past decade, researchers from UT and Eastman have worked together on projects involving:
- Chemical engineering
- Chemistry
- Materials science
- Advanced manufacturing
- Polymer chemistry
- Catalysis
- Sustainability technologies
Research developed through the partnership has applications in a variety of industries, including automotive manufacturing, textiles, food packaging and consumer products.
Officials say collaborative efforts have also advanced technologies related to energy production, sustainability and emerging chemical processes.
Eastman Praises UT’s Research Environment
Eastman Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer Steve Crawford said the university’s commitment to research and student development has helped strengthen the partnership.
“The strength of this partnership comes from how closely UT’s capabilities align with the challenges we’re solving,” Crawford said.
He added that UT has developed a culture that combines technical education, leadership development and real-world industry engagement.
According to Eastman, those strengths have helped position the university as a significant innovation center nationally.
Researchers Work Side by Side
Faculty members say one of the greatest benefits of the partnership is direct collaboration with industry scientists.
“This partnership fundamentally changes how we do research,” said Dr. Siris Laursen, an associate professor in UT’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Laursen said researchers regularly communicate with Eastman scientists throughout project development, helping ensure innovations can be scaled for real-world use.
“That level of trust and collaboration is rare,” Laursen said.
Eastman Innovation Center Strengthens Collaboration
The partnership grew significantly in 2020 with the creation of Eastman’s Innovation Center on the UT campus.
The facility serves as a hub for:
- Collaborative research
- Project management
- Student engagement
- Faculty interaction
- Industry partnerships
Eastman also maintains a campus presence and participates in advisory groups that connect company leaders with university researchers.
“As this partnership has matured, we’ve been able to remove barriers and focus more on the science,” said Jim Ziegler, Eastman’s vice president of films technology, corporate innovation and regions.
Benefits for Students
UT officials say the partnership has become a significant pathway for students pursuing careers in science, engineering and manufacturing.
UT graduates have increasingly joined Eastman’s workforce, and the agreement includes support for student organizations, faculty initiatives and campus programs designed to connect students with industry opportunities.
University leaders say those experiences help students gain practical knowledge while creating a strong pipeline of future talent for Tennessee’s technology and manufacturing sectors.
Looking Ahead
Both organizations say the renewed agreement reflects a shared commitment to innovation, economic development and workforce preparation.
By extending the partnership through the next six years, UT and Eastman expect to continue developing technologies that address challenges in sustainability, manufacturing and materials science while creating new opportunities for students, faculty and researchers.
Officials say the collaboration will remain focused on turning research into real-world solutions that benefit industry, consumers and communities across Tennessee and beyond.
