MONET Moves in to Phase II!

The National Science Foundation is investing $19.8 million in the Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks (MONET) research center. The Center, led by Prof. Stephen Craig, will continue their exploration of the science of polymer networks: long, repeating molecules found in all sorts of things, from trees to tires to plastics. MONET will receive the funding over five years from the NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation program, which focuses on major challenges in fundamental chemistry that require substantial teams and years of effort.

NSF first provided seed funding to MONET in 2018 and later scaled it up in 2021. With the Phase II investment from NSF, MONET will continue to advance its pioneering work on complex networks of polymer molecules. The properties of polymer networks are exceptionally challenging to understand and predict because every molecular twist, turn and tangle interacts dynamically with others. MONET has made substantial progress in understanding the oftentimes counterintuitive properties of these networks. For example, NSF MONET published new findings in June showing that the impact resistance of some common polymers could be strengthened, paradoxically, by creating weaker bonds within the material, thus allowing energy to dissipate with less damage.

NSF's investment will support research at eight institutions of higher education across seven states. MONET will also educate and provide specialized training for more than 30 students and early-career researchers, as part of NSF's mission to support and grow the U.S. scientific workforce.

Congratulations to the MONET Team!