What does the Flex Lab offer?

The Flex Lab brings together researchers in industry, academia, government, and non-governmental organizations to study the most pressing issues in sustainability and energy. The state-of-the-art lab is designed to function as a collaborative facility for global sustainability and energy research—serving as a major hub to accelerate and showcase research in these highly interdisciplinary fields at Northwestern University and beyond. The lab offers a variety of benefits to organizations looking to partner with the institute including:

• Size. The Flex Lab spans 8,000 square feet across two floors. It can comfortably house approximately 40 researchers and provides adjoining office and collaboration space for researchers, project coordinators, and students.
• Flexibility. The lab’s exceptionally flexible design underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the Institute’s mission. Occupants are able to bring in large and/or specialized equipment to conduct a wide range of research in energy and sustainability in close proximity to the numerous research groups, centers, and facilities that Northwestern has to offer. The climate controlled lab space is also equipped with transportable fume hoods and basic lab amenities.
• Continuity in Development. Given its size, flexibility, and proximity to available resources, the lab facilitates the entire lifecycle of product development. Researchers are able to generate original discovery, characterize new synthesis, and develop prototypes that deploy the research findings, entirely within the ISEN Flex Lab.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration. The ISEN Flex Lab is located in the heart of Northwestern’s Technological Institute, home to the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science as well as the departments of chemistry and of physics and astronomy. The building houses a number of Northwestern’s Core Research Facilities including those focused on solar energy, nanotechnology, catalysis, engineering, biological chemistry, and materials science. 

Learn more: Flex Lab Specs

Areas of Research