Economic Development

NYT features cross-laminated timber research at UMaine

The New York Times featured University of Maine research into cross-laminated timber. Liam O’Brien, a UMaine graduate student, spoke with the Times about an effort by him and his colleagues to develop a cross-laminated timber panel insulated with wood fiber. “It is a material that should take off in the U.S. as long as we […]

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A photo of Jason Entsminger

UMaine’s Entsminger leads USDA-funded study about rural communities’ needs

A national study published last week, led by a now University of Maine assistant professor and small business specialist, identifies critical investments needed to build community capacity and improve quality of life in rural America. Results showed a need to increase collaboration, inform decision making through research, involve local underrepresented groups and build climate and […]

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‘The Maine Question’ looks at how Maine can grow and diversify its economy

Maine’s economy is evolving with several burgeoning industries, like artificial intelligence and alternative energy, and new opportunities in its quintessential natural resource sectors, such as commercial fishing and forestry. The University of Maine’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement, or SPIRE, is supporting statewide economic growth by connecting startups and expanding companies with […]

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Innovate for Maine set to double cohort size in 2023

The University of Maine Foster Center for Innovation is seeking Maine students and Maine companies to participate in the 2023 Innovate for Maine Fellows internship program. The application deadline for students and companies is March 5. To apply or learn more about Innovate for Maine Fellows, visit the program website. This year, with funding for […]

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A photo of soil and crushed lobster shells

UMaine researchers testing lobster shells to thwart potato soil pathogens

Scientists at the University of Maine are evaluating if lobster shells can cultivate beneficial microbial communities that ward off soilborne potato pathogens. The novel shell-to-spud combination may connect two cornerstones of Maine’s food system and enhance the state’s circular economy.  Potatoes are Maine’s top agricultural commodity with a value of more than $215 million in […]

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UMaine Office of Innovation and Economic Development rebrands as SPIRE

University of Maine president Joan Ferrini-Mundy has announced the rebranding of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) as the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement (SPIRE). Building on the work OIED already does, SPIRE will be wholly focused on fulfilling the university’s service mission through a strong emphasis on strategic partnerships, […]

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‘The Maine Question’ looks back its seventh season

Season seven of “The Maine Question” podcast covered a broad variety of subjects in research and higher education. Topics ranged from archaeology to space research, and from the challenges in K–12 education to toxic forever chemicals and efforts to mitigate them. In the tenth and final episode this season, host Ron Lisnet looks back on […]

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