“Mississippi The State Of Graphene” Conference to be Held in Jackson

Following the momentum from the American Graphene Summit on Capitol Hill in D.C. keynoted by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) earlier this year, Mississippi’s business and industry will now get an up-close look at the global graphene technology revolution in their home state.

The Graphene Innovation & Research Conference, previously held in Nashville and Austin, will convene in Jackson, Mississippi, Nov. 19-20, at the Westin Hotel. The conference, titled “Mississippi The State Of Graphene,” will include speakers from around the globe. Leading scientists, scholars and industry leaders will share the most recent research, innovation, and trends in the field of graphene. Special tracks will highlight opportunities for different industry segments.

Sponsors and partners include the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), The University of Mississippi and the National Graphene Association (NGA), with the support of the Mississippi Manufacturing Association (MMA) and the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), the Conference will acquaint and prepare Mississippi businesses and industries with the coming technology revolution envisioned by the National Graphene Association (NGA) and partners to promote “Mississippi The State of Graphene.” Sponsors also include Ergon, Inc., Huntington Ingalls Industries, Innovate Mississippi, CREATE Foundation and TLC Graphene Composites, LLC.

Graphene is the thinnest known material and is 200 times stronger than steel. Scientists call it a disruptive technology that is a “game changer.” While the advanced material is only scratching the surface of its potential to enhance existing products and inspire new ones, it has already made an impact in many industries ranging from sporting goods to aerospace. Examples of current uses are: cell phone batteries that fully charge in 30 minutes; the finest of membranes to turn salt water into drinking water; adding to paint for ships to reduce corrosion and increase fuel efficiency; adding to concrete to make it twice as strong and adding to asphalt to make roads last twice as long. (for more stories on ways graphene is changing the game, visit the GRAPHENE NEWS section of the NGA website.)

To encourage engagement and innovative thinking, the NGA has also launched a Graphene Composites Design Competition as part of the event. The application can be found here. Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas for new or enhanced products using graphene at the conference.

“Mississippi business and industry should be prepared for the enormous opportunities graphene will offer. The NGA is working with state leaders to locate a significant national graphene presence in Mississippi,” said Dr. Ed Meek of Oxford, NGA Founder and CEO.

“This conference is the continuation of NGA initiatives to support the needs of current and future graphene stakeholders,” said Dr. Zina Jarrahi Cinker, NGA, executive director. “Senator Wicker is committed to Mississippi maintaining a leadership role in graphene development. This event focuses on graphene research, innovation, and its impact on regional and national economic development.”

Anyone can attend. Attendees will include from business and industry leaders, company R&D personnel, entrepreneurs, scientists, university and government officials. To learn more or to register, click here.

“The Graphene Innovation and Research Conference is an information exchange between academic and government scientists and industry and is a critical step toward transitioning graphene-based technologies into products and tools that can benefit society,” said Josh Gladden, Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Mississippi and NGA Academic Council chair. “The University of Mississippi and the Center for Graphene Research and Innovation are thrilled to participate and support this inaugural conference in our home state.”

More information on the efforts of NGA and its members can be accessed via www.natonalgrapheneassociation.com.

For an excellent summary about all things graphene, download the NGA’s publication “GRAPHENE GATEWAY.”

View Senator Roger Wicker himself speaking about the wonders of graphene at the American Graphene Summit. 

About the National Graphene Association (NGA)

The National Graphene Association is the main organization and body in the U.S. advocating and promoting the commercialization of graphene. NGA is focused on addressing critical issues such as policy and standards development that will result in effective integration of graphene and graphene-based materials globally. NGA brings together current and future graphene stakeholders — entrepreneurs, companies, researchers, developers and suppliers, investors, venture capitalists, and government agencies — to drive innovation, and to promote and facilitate the commercialization of graphene products and technologies.

Press release courtesy of Allison Buchanan