Establishing the Lafayette Institute

When: November 30, 2010, 2:00-4:00 p.m
Where: Bill Moore Student Success Center, Georgia Institute of Technology (219 Uncle Heinie Way, Atlanta, GA 30332-0445).


Twenty years ago, the Georgia Institute of Technology began its expansion abroad and created a new campus-branch in Metz, located in the French region of Lorraine. Today, more than 500 students, professors and researchers from all around the world travel every year to spend a few semesters on the Georgia Tech campus in Metz. Georgia Tech Lorraine (GTL) has become a unique place where American and French scientists conduct joint research in numerous domains of applied physics. Since its inauguration, GTL has educated more than 3,400 graduate students and nurtured close relationships with well-known international groups such as Areva, EADS, Imerys, Michelin, Total and Schlumberger, all of which are interested in the potential of these inventors of tomorrow.

The 20-year anniversary of GTL was celebrated in Metz, on June 15, 2010, with the visit of the President of Georgia Tech, Dr. Bud Peterson, and a large delegation from the state of Georgia.

On this occasion, the next stage of the success story of GTL was announced: a letter of intent was signed by Georgia Tech, GTL, the Prefecture of Lorraine, the Lorraine Regional Council, the Department of Moselle and Metz Metropole for the creation in Metz of the “Lafayette Institute”.

Established on GTL campus in Metz, and based on Georgia Tech’s experience, the “Lafayette Institute” will create a favorable environment for high tech service to industry, applied R&D, and spin-off companies in the optoelectronic sector. Potential applications of these new technologies will appear mainly in the energy sector, new display technologies, sensors and medical technology, and green economy. The Lafayette Institute will promote technology transfer from GTL’s research laboratories and transatlantic industrial R&D opportunities in the optoelectronic sector.

Official agreements will be signed on the occasion of “France-Atlanta: Together Towards Innovation”.