NIU Today

Scientists from NIU and Argonne National Laboratory are reporting this week in the journal Nature Physics on the discovery of exotic magnetic structures in iron-based superconductors. Superconductors exhibit amazing properties: When cooled below certain temperatures, they conduct electricity without energy-sapping resistance. But the best known superconducting materials can operate only below 218 degrees Fahrenheit under...

An NIU Ph.D. student in physics is the first author of recently published research in the prestigious journal, Physical Review Letters. The research, by Laxman Thoutam with co-authors from NIU and Argonne National Laboratory, might move scientists closer to understanding the properties of an unusual material known as tungsten-ditelluride’s (WTe2), which could play a critical...

NIU’s annual STEMfest will once again dazzle and educate thousands of visitors of all ages to the Convocation Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct 17. This free, family-friendly festival, attended by nearly 7,500 people last year, celebrates innovations in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) and offers hundreds of hands-on...

For five decades, physicist Clyde Kimball – a man of big ideas, immutable passion and abundant kindness – was a fixture on the Northern Illinois University campus. An NIU distinguished research professor, he is credited with cementing the university’s collaborative ties with Argonne National Laboratory, attracting tens of millions of dollars in funding for research...

Mixed messages about climate disruption in the media and elsewhere cause confusion for the public and could prevent action to ensure a better future, says Doug Sisterson, a research meteorologist at Argonne National Laboratory. Sisterson will visit NIU Friday, April 10, to speak on “What We Know and Don’t Know About Climate Disruption,” exploring striking...

A new book by a Northern Illinois University professor sheds light on X-rays. Michel van Veenendaal, distinguished research professor in the NIU Department of Physics and physicist at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, is the author of the book titled, “Theory of Inelastic Scattering and Absorption of X-rays” (Cambridge University Press). “The book...

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that STEMfest is a blast for children of all ages. With a record crowd of more than 7,500 visitors, NIU’s annual mega-sized science fair celebrated the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math in grand fashion at the Convocation Center Saturday, Oct. 18. The five-year anniversary of...

Prepare to be amazed! NIU’s annual STEMfest will once again wow visitors of all ages at the Convocation Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. This free family event spurs students, families, and educators to explore hot new technologies and cool scientific phenomena. Exhibitors from NIU’s 25 STEM departments as well as...

Argonne National Laboratory invites undergraduate students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields to attend the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, this event provides undergraduates the unique opportunity to present their research and connect with other students in their fields while visiting a world-class research...

Explore solar energy, climate science and all things sunny Saturday, Sept. 27, during Solar Fest at DuPage Children’s Museum. Hosted by DuPage Children’s Museum, Argonne National Laboratory and NIU STEM Read, Solar Fest takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. The event features exciting, educational events and activities for young learners. Visitors will have a...

First, the good news: Five NIU professors this summer snagged three prestigious grants that total nearly $1 million. Now for the better news: the funding also provides cutting-edge research opportunities for NIU students, allowing them to work alongside top scientists in their disciplines. “These are impressive research projects by an extraordinary group of faculty scientists...

Renowned physicist Swapan Chattopadhyay, currently director of the Cockcroft Institute in England, has accepted a joint appointment to Northern Illinois University and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The appointment is effective Sept. 1. Chattopadhyay has helped break new ground in the fields of accelerator and beam physics, having made significant contributions to the development of accelerators...