(WORCESTER – 05/04/2022) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced on Wednesday, May 4th, that Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) had been awarded $399,999 to advance its groundbreaking disaster resilience research. This research centers around the investigation of how embers are generated and how they move through the air. Studying this process will help first responders, state and federal agencies, and conservationists better understand wildfires and implement policies and practices to mitigate their spread.
“I am pleased that Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s innovative research is being recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technologies. This funding will help advance their investigation into the science of wildfires and help us ensure we have the knowledge and tools to mitigate and prevent some of the devastation caused by these disasters,” Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) said. “The research that will be done right here in Central Massachusetts will help stop wildfires across the country and around the globe. We are once again proving that the people of Central Massachusetts get it done.”
“The ultimate goal of this work, like most of the fire science research conducted at WPI, is to help create a safer world,” said Professor Albert Simeoni, WPI Fire Protection Engineering Department Head and Principal Investigator of the NIST grant. “By gaining a better understanding of fire spread, a changing environment, and the rapidly expanding wildland urban interface, we can plan better how to live with the ever-present risk of wildland fires and create more resilient communities.”
“I’m thrilled that Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received funding for infrastructure research to help protect families against natural hazards,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). “These investments are critical for our communities in Worcester and beyond.”
NIST announced WPI’s award as part of a broader package of disaster resilience funding awards totaling $7.6 million. UMass Amherst and Northeastern University also received awards of $390,009 and $399,504, respectively.
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