In the partner program, companies and institutions with an interest in the lighting industry can collaborate with the LRC to identify and sponsor projects and studies that are expected to yield results that may be commercialized into applications and product development. Of course, there is the reciprocal benefit of guiding research into areas that can drive progress in solid-state lighting (SSL) and continue innovation in the industry. Since LEDs Magazine is not an active sponsor in this program, I decided my focus would be on getting a holistic perspective on what the LRC scientists spend time on and how that helps to direct our attention to developments and coverage.

　　Frankly, I couldn’t believe the sheer number of projects and reports and papers that were mentioned during the day’s presentations. I felt a little dizzy as Russ Leslie, who heads up the graduate programs for lighting, ticked down 30 projects in 30 minutes, and dynamically covered everything from lamps, lighting controls, and OLEDs to signage, circadian lighting studies, horticulture, and changes in lighting education at the research center. Well-known scientists such as Drs. Mariana Figueiro, John Bullough, and Jaimin Patel delivered more details on their teams’ studies on lighting for health and wellbeing, transportation lighting and safety concerns, and the ability of UV LEDs to impact plant health by reducing pathogens.