The Glenn H. Brown Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) was founded in 1965 by Glenn H. Brown, a chemistry professor at Kent State University. The birthplace of liquid crystal displays, the LCI is the world first research center focused on the basic and applied science of liquid crystals. Glenn Brown's foresight and vision in the promising future of the liquid crystals has been borne out by the dramatic rise of the liquid crystal display (LCD) industry through the subsequent 40 years that has fundamentally changed our modern life. The impact of LC and flat panel displays, now opening a new world of mobile tablets and 3D vision, is being recognized as the second revolution in information dissemination technology, after the invention of movable type printing by Gutenberg in the mid 15th century.

Research at the LCI addresses the entire range of multidisciplinary topics associated with the science and technology of liquid crystals and related self-organized materials and devices. A series of pivotal contributions have been made by the LCI researchers, including the invention of the twisted nematic cell, the heart of LCDs. The field of liquid crystals is now undergoing a quantum leap, beyond information displays into the advanced photonics, sensors, bio- and medical molecular devices, and smart materials for new energy applications.

The LCI is the place where the future of the liquid crystals is relentlessly pursued, fostering cross disciplinary and academia-industry collaborations, and offering society the next generation of bright minds.