Eastman and University of Tennessee extend research partnership through 2032
- New six-year master research agreement continues a decade-long collaboration between Eastman and the University of Tennessee.
- Eastman will invest at least $3 million over the next six years to support sponsored research, service agreements and university–industry initiatives.
- This is the third master research agreement between the partners and builds on a relationship that began in 2015.
- The partnership established Eastman’s Innovation Center on the UT campus in 2020 and now includes an on‑campus office, regular faculty and lab engagement, and an advisory board.
Agreement and funding
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Eastman signed a new six-year master research agreement under which Eastman will invest at least $3 million to support sponsored research, service agreements and a range of university–industry initiatives. The extension is the third master research agreement between the institutions and builds on a relationship that began in 2015.
Research areas and applications
Collaborations span chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science and advanced manufacturing, with projects in polymer chemistry, catalysis, additive manufacturing and sustainability-focused research. Work has targeted practical applications including automotive components, textiles, food packaging and sustainable consumer products.
Campus integration and talent development
Since 2020 the partnership has included Eastman’s Innovation Center on the UT campus, an on‑campus office presence, shared lab engagement and a growing advisory board that connects Eastman technology leaders with UT researchers. The agreement also supports student organizations, faculty initiatives and activities that increase student engagement with industry.
Objectives and impact
Partners say the collaboration accelerates development of scalable, economically viable technologies, advances sustainability and energy-related projects, and strengthens the regional innovation ecosystem by translating academic research into real‑world manufacturing solutions.
Source: Eastman
