Lee’s Summit, MO — The National Lubricating and Grease Institute (NLGI) is pleased to announce that the University of Akron is the recipient of the Annual NLGI Research Grant. Dr. Paul Shiller, Research Assistant Professor and Emily Njus, Senior Grants Coordinator, submitted an impressive research proposal titled “A Fundamental Examination of Grease Thickener Self-Assembly.” NLGI’s Research Grant Review Committee found Dr. Shiller’s proposal to have the strongest potential to advance the world’s understanding of lubricating greases.

NLGI received numerous applications last fall from universities and research institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and its Research Grant Review Committee was asked to evaluate these proposals according to three principal criteria: (1) technical merit, (2) filling a knowledge gap, (3) relevance to NLGI members. The committee consists of lubricating grease experts with more than 170 years of combined experience. Each reviewer is a Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist (CLGS™) and holds a post-graduate degree as well as professional credentials such as STLE’s Certified Lubrication Specialist.

“We’re thrilled to award the University of Akron as the recipient of the NLGI Research Grant,” said Joseph Kaperick, NLGI President. “We look forward to partnering with the University of Akron and Dr. Shiller over the next year. NLGI members will be able to expand their knowledge via UA’s technical paper presentation during NLGI’s annual meeting after the research work is complete as well as reference their final written report on NLGI’s website.”

The application period for NLGI’s 2019 Research Grant Program begins soon, with many proposals accepted online from Jan. 1 through March 15. Up to $50,000 in grant money may be awarded in the year. Researchers can find details, including a description of the program, qualifications and criteria, and the application form on the NLGI website in the coming weeks.

About the National Lubricating Grease Institute

As a nonprofit trade association founded in 1933 by pioneers of the lubricating grease industry, the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) was established with the goal of providing education, scientific and technical information, expert advice, profitable partnerships and a global forum for ideas and innovation. The mission of the organization is “to provide resources relevant to the needs of the global grease community.”