Contact:
Ron Kirksey
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Carole Harwood
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The world’s leading manufacturer of liquid crystal display products and the world’s premier academic center for basic and applied liquid crystal research signed an important, historic agreement to co-develop display technology.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Liquid Crystal Display Business President Sang Wan Lee and Kent State University President Carol A. Cartwright signed a master collaboration at the Samsung Liquid Crystal Display headquarters in Tangjeong, Korea on Oct. 1.

Samsung’s President Lee said, “Kent State University has contributed greatly to the development and commercialization of liquid crystal display technology. This cooperative agreement involves a company and a university at the very pinnacle of the display field. We will work together to lead the future of display technology.”

“This master agreement solidifies another way in which Kent State is bringing its world-class liquid crystal research to the marketplace through mutually beneficial collaborations,” said Cartwright.

The signing of the master agreement builds upon an established partnership. In 2003, President Lee visited Kent State’s Liquid Crystal Institute and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. In August 2004, Dr. John L. West, vice president for research and dean of graduate studies, Dr. Oleg D. Lavrentovich, director of the Liquid Crystal Institute, liquid crystal researchers Dr. Philip J. Bos and Dr. L.C. Chien and Dr. Satyendra Kumar, professor of physics, visited Samsung LCD’s headquarters in Korea to discuss a shared research and development program.

“The purpose of the agreement is to set forth the basic framework and guiding principles under which Samsung and Kent State may continue to participate together in specific educational or scientific research projects,” said West. The agreement shall be in force for five years.

Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is the world's largest producer of TFT-LCDs , memory chips, color monitors, color TVs and many other appliances. In 2003 Samsung Electronics sales exceeded more than $36.4 billion -- with net profits of $5 billion. Samsung employs more than 88,000 people in 46 countries, and is engaged in strategic alliances with many multi-national organizations.

Since it was established in 1965, Kent State’s Liquid Crystal Institute has become the world’s leading academic center for liquid crystal research and education. Best known for its unique blend of strong basic research coupled with innovative applications, nearly 30 patents have been issued for intellectual property developed at the Liquid Crystal Institute.

The institute also operates an Industrial Partnership Program. The partnership program offers vital links for bringing research and technology into the marketplace by providing its more than 30 partners with access to the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research and well-trained graduates of its doctoral program in chemical physics.

Liquid crystal technology continues to grow throughout the world and has become a dominant factor in display technology and its use and applications continue to grow. Research continues to enhance the performance of the liquid crystal displays that make up the countless electronic devices that are used daily.

Editor's Note: Photos available upon request.

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