BASF SE has launched a research initiative called "North American Center for Research on Advanced Materials" through which it is collaborating with Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Massachusetts, Amherst. One goal of this initiative is to jointly develop new materials for the automotive, building and construction, and energy industries. The cooperation is initially planned for five years. About 20 new post-doctoral positions will be created at the three universities. Scientists from disciplines such as chemistry, physics and biology and engineers with know-how in different industries will work together in this research initiative. The academic partners contribute not only their expertise in material sciences, modeling and formulation methods, but also provide new ideas for interesting research approaches. Besides fundamental scientific knowledge, BASF researchers will contribute the necessary experience in transforming research results into technically feasible processes and products and input about which materials are needed in the different industries and applications. The ideas and topics to be researched will be decided jointly by the researchers participating in the initiative. Topics already identified include micro- and nanostructured polymers with new properties, as well as biomimetic materials that emulate nature. For example, the scientists are working on lightweight construction materials for wind turbines and automotive construction and on new color effects for cosmetic applications. The research scientists are supported and advised by a scientific committee that includes BASF scientists and George Whitesides, Ph.D. and Dave Weitz, Ph.D. of Harvard; Robert Langer, Ph.D. and Mary Boyce, Ph.D. of MIT, and Todd Emrick, Ph.D. and Alan Lesser, Ph.D. of UMass Amherst. The American research initiative will build on the successful cooperation between BASF and Harvard University. During the five years' cooperation to date, 13 academic research groups have been working together with BASF scientists.

Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst have reached a settlement that will resolve violations of federal polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) regulations at the Lederle Graduate Research Center. After completing a $4 million caulk decontamination project in 2009, UMASS discovered that the window glazing at the Lederle Graduate Research Center was contaminated with high levels of PCBs. Further sampling of the window glazing revealed PCBs at concentrations of 50 ppm or greater, which are levels not authorized for use under the PCB regulations. The long-term remedy called for in this settlement requires replacing and disposing of all 900 PCB-contaminated windows currently installed at the Research Center, at a cost of about $3 million. The long-term project is expected to take fifteen years, and will allow UMASS to plan for and incorporate this capital expense into other building upgrade projects.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst has appointed John K. Horvath of the Hartford Police Department in Connecticut to be the new police chief and director of public safety. He succeeds Johnny Whitehead, who served as chief from 2009 until this past February. Horvath begins his new duties in September. As chief, he will seek to make it stronger in both of those areas, ensure that the police department works with university stakeholders in order to maintain a safe campus environment while at the same time, building relationships that will enhance the educational experience for all students. Horvath joins the university with more than 20 years of law enforcement and security experience. He rose through the ranks at the Hartford Police Department and has served as assistant chief of police since January 2011. From August 2007 to January 2011, Horvath served as deputy chief of police in command of more than 100 uniformed patrol personnel in the Community Services Bureau.