3 February 2012 – The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) is pleased to announce the availability of a FGI Graduate Research Grant. The founding principles of the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute have been research and education. In support of these principles, the Association will award research funds for an initial two-year period to support ideas that advance the use of fabricated geomembranes in containment applications. The FGI research grant is $10,000 per year for two years (subject to annual review). The research can focus on any aspect of fabricated geomembranes such as: formulation, welding, field testing, installation, durability in exposed and unexposed applications, chemical resistance, or any other measure of fabricated geomembrane performance.
Projects that involve participation by the private sector and/or other universities are welcomed and encouraged. FGI recommends that students and faculty members network with one or more FGI Members to better understand the questions that need to be answered in the field of fabricated geomembranes before submitting a proposal.
FGI is headquartered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where a strong tradition of cutting-edge research and education exists. The FGI will establish an advisory committee to evaluate, award, and monitor the research project. Dr. Timothy D. Stark, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will direct this project. Dr. Stark has been teaching, researching, and consulting on geosynthetics, stability of manmade slopes, and design of waste containment facilities for more than 20 years. The FGI is an industry-sponsored institute at the U of I focused on advancing the use of fabricated geomembranes through education, research, and technology transfer. Graduate students interested in applying for this grant should contact Dr. Stark for an application and further information.
For more information on the FGI, contact Dr. Stark at +1 217 333 7394 or tstark@illinois.edu.
