{"id":7979,"date":"2023-10-05T12:32:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T16:32:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/epscor\/?p=7979"},"modified":"2023-10-05T12:33:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T16:33:31","slug":"from-lasst-to-first","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/epscor\/2023\/10\/05\/from-lasst-to-first\/","title":{"rendered":"From LASST to FIRST"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By, Colin Gallagher, Media Intern and Caty DuDevoir, Writing Intern<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST), formerly known as the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST), is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Maine (UMaine), with the vision of becoming a leader in materials, devices, and systems research. The institute, established in 1980, prides itself as a platform where individuals from a variety of scientific backgrounds can work together in order to solve problems that make real economic and societal differences. Through establishment of research infrastructure, spinoff companies, and local and international collaborations, FIRST continues to grow research and development capacity in Maine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIRST, like many research institutes and centers at the University of Maine, was helped by the National Science Foundation\u2019s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR). Awarded in 2000, the six million dollar NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 grant set out to improve research infrastructure, particularly in the realm of materials and sensors , in order to enhance Maine\u2019s technology industries. This funding allowed FIRST to bring on new faculty, invest in research infrastructure and facilities, and connect a diverse team of researchers. While this grant has long since ended, the impact of  the funding is clearly visible today not only in FIRST\u2019s research but also in its philosophy and mission. <\/p>\n\n\n