- Florida State University’s National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is set to receive $195.5 million over the next five years from the National Science Foundation
- The funding is a 6 percent increase in the lab’s funding levels
- The facility is the only such facility in the nation and is among twelve high magnetic facilities worldwide
- Based on a report by the Center for Economic Forecasting, the MagLab is projected to generate about $6.5 billion in economic activity and more than 53,600 jobs in Florida over the next 20 years
Florida State University’s (FSU) National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is set to receive $195.5 million over the next five years from the National Science Foundation.
The National Science Foundation funding, authorized by the National Science Board, is a 6 percent increase in the lab’s funding levels.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, known as the MagLab, performs magnetic field research in a series of scientific fields including physics, biology, chemistry, and more. The MagLab is the only such facility in the nation and is among twelve high magnetic facilities worldwide.
The laboratory serves as a national hub for research endeavors and collaborates with various entities belonging to the private sector.
“The MagLab research portfolio touches so many of today’s major scientific challenges,” said MagLab Director Greg Boebinger. “High magnetic fields are revealing new materials for quantum technologies, combating climate change, protecting human health, enabling the magnet-based machines of the future, and paving the way to new energy solutions.”
In addition to receiving financing from the NSF, the MagLab is part of a federal-state partnership that grants the institution annual funding from the State of Florida.
In return, the MagLab contributes significantly to the state’s economy, generating $6.44 of economic activity for every state dollar invested in the facility.
Based on a report by the Center for Economic Forecasting, the MagLab is projected to generate about $6.5 billion in economic activity and more than 53,600 jobs in Florida over the next 20 years.
“The U.S. National Science Foundation is proud to support this unique and world-leading research facility through a vibrant partnership with our three collaborating institutions and the State of Florida,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “NSF’s continued support for the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory drives the democratization of access to high magnetic fields, enables worldwide discoveries at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology, and helps develop a highly skilled and diverse workforce.”
Since the National MagLab was founded in the early 1990s, more than 30,500 scientists and researchers from 54 countries and 50 states and territories have conducted experiments using the lab’s proprietary equipment.
Through sustained support for the high magnetic field user program, the NSF funding will help retain the facility as a destination for research within the state university system.