University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is a public research university in Lowell, Massachusetts, and a campus of the University of Massachusetts system. It offers comprehensive programs across engineering, sciences, health, business, and the arts, with a strong applied research focus.
The university is noted in the chemical and materials domains for its Francis College of Engineering and its distinctive Plastics Engineering program, which emphasizes polymers, advanced materials, and manufacturing. UMass Lowell hosts the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), supporting research and education on safer chemicals, pollution prevention, and sustainable production. Research strengths include materials science, nanomanufacturing, energy, environmental health, and process safety, supported by specialized labs for polymer processing and materials characterization. The university collaborates extensively with industry on applied R&D, workforce development, and technology transfer, serving sectors such as plastics, packaging, electronics, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing.
Parliament event on 24 June 2026 will examine whether bio‑based and circular carbon can underpin European chemical competitiveness and cut fossil feedstock reliance.
