In-person attendance was limited to roughly 50 participants as a COVID precaution. However, many CISTAR Fellows, advisory board members, and some NSF reviewers were able to participate virtually. The meeting kicked off on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, with remarks from:

Mitchell E. Daniels Jr. - Purdue University President

Theresa Mayer - Executive Vice President for Research and Partnership

Weinong (Wayne) Chen - Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

 Sangtae Kim - Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head    of Chemical Engineering Distinguished Professor 

The speakers thanked the NSF reviewers and shared Purdue’s support and commitment to CISTAR. President Daniels emphasized Purdue's support for the CISTAR initiative as he noted the geo-political importance of the center's research, now more than ever, in light of the net-zero emissions goal by 2050. 

Over the next two days, CISTAR’s leadership team presented their progress and answered questions from the SVT.  Additionally, the SVT met with the Industrial Advisory Board and Student Leadership Council and attended a virtual poster session with CISTAR Fellows. These activities help the SVT to write their report and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the center. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the SVT provided CISTAR with valuable input and positive feedback for all four pillars of the center. The SVT recommended CISTAR's grant to be renewed for the remaining five years of the center. With this recommendation, the renewal proposal can now go through the necessary NSF channels where it is expected to be approved.

Photos: Top - Group photo of the team members present at the 2022 CISTAR Year 5 NSF Renewal Site Visit outside of CISTAR headquarters. Bottom: Purdue University President Daniels addressing the Site Visit Team and CISTAR team to open the meeting.