Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced an additional $2,250,000 from the Department of Energy (DOE) to fund the new Center for Kinetic Experiment, Theory and Integrated Computational Physics at West Virginia University (WVU). This center will work to solve cutting-edge kinetic-scale physics problems and provide advanced training for highly skilled workers to support the growth of high?tech industries in West Virginia.

“This announcement is welcome news for West Virginia University and is further acknowledgment of the groundbreaking research conducted by its students and faculty. The new center will advance innovative research in the field of advanced physics to help America meet today and tomorrow’s energy needs, and underscores the important role that EPSCoR plays in ensuring that research funding continues to flow into universities and other institutions in rural and underserved states like West Virginia. This funding will also support training for skilled workers in West Virginia, providing an experienced and educated workforce for growing industries in our state,” said Chairman Manchin. “I’m thrilled that the Department of Energy is continuing to invest in WVU research programs, and I will continue to push for funding and resources that help the Mountain State succeed.”

“WVU continues to be a leader in research and development, which is why it should be no surprise that they are a driving force behind the innovation and technological advances we’re making in our state,” Senator Capito said. “Last month, I made several stops in Morgantown around Congressional Startup Day, where I saw first-hand how the tech economy is flourishing in West Virginia. The continued support from the Department of Energy to the Center for Kinetic Experiment, Theory and Integrated Computation Physics is a sign of their sustained success and growth over the past few years. I look forward to the benefits this continuation will create at WVU and the impact the center will continue to have in West Virginia.”

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