Purdue Calumet launches Water Institute to further economic development

In an continuing effort to advance Northwest Indiana and its economic development, Purdue University Calumet announced Wednesday (7/6) the establishment of a campus-based Water Institute.

The announcement was made at a luncheon and presentation also co-sponsored by BP of Whiting, which, thanks to a $50,000 support gift, is partnering with Purdue Calumet in a series of Water Institute-related programs, research projects and presentations.

Tapping into university expertise while partnering with business and industry, government and other regional, national and world-wide organizations, the Purdue Calumet Water Institute has plans to conduct research, develop technologies and offer programs that focus on water quality, efficiency and security. Additionally, the Water Institute will assist local, regional and state agencies plus the private sector in addressing water-related problems and concerns.

"The Water Institute is a key element of Purdue Calumet's commitment to the economic development of our region," Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen said. "It brings together faculty applied research, regional partnerships and student learning through internships to help protect and develop one of Northwest Indiana's most precious assets: fresh water."

Cohen added that the Water Institute will offer an interdisciplinary approach to complex issues relating to water quality, efficiency, security, ecology, human health, plus economic, social and policy issues.

According to Purdue Calumet Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nabil Ibrahim, the Purdue Calumet Water Institute also will approach water use in ways that provide competitive advantages for assisting companies that use water.

"We can only do that through collaboration and partnerships with local cities, corporate communities, government organizations and our legislators," Ibrahim said.

To that end, in addition to BP, U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky has secured a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in support of the Water Institute. Indiana Representative Earl Harris is seeking state support.

Additionally, the Francis Meyer Trust has awarded $100,000 to the Water Institute in support of an endowed professorship for providing leadership and expertise. The gift is being matched by a $400,000 award from the Lilly Endowment Program. Ibrahim said the endowed professorship will enable Purdue Calumet to attract high caliber talent nationwide, while helping enable the Water Institute to focus on important research areas.

Additionally, the Water Institute and the nearby U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois have agreed to partner on research activities.

"Argonne has done research with water resources for years," Ibrahim said. "We plan to build on that research, which will be helpful to us when we go to the federal government to seek financial support."

Ibrahim also indicated that Purdue Calumet is well positioned to lead development of a Water Institute that combines its intellectual capital of faculty and academic programs with corporate and government resources and directs them strategically to advance regional economic development.

"Purdue Calumet can provide expertise, research and academic programs in biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, economics, geosciences, mathematics and physics," he said. "The Water Institute will collaborate with the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana in Merrillville when research discoveries suggest opportunities for start-up companies and development of potential commercial ventures."

The Purdue Calumet Water Institute will use existing campus facilities.

News Release Date: July 6, 2005