Lighting Research Center

Lighting Research Center
Name	Lighting Research Center
Established	1988
Director	Nadarajah Narendran
Parent	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Location	Troy, New York
Website	https://www.lrc.rpi.edu/

Lighting Research Center. It is a university-based research center dedicated to lighting, established in 1988 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. The center's mission is to advance the effective use of light and create technology and knowledge-based solutions for a sustainable future. It serves as a critical bridge between the lighting industry, government agencies, and the academic community, conducting applied research across the full spectrum of lighting science and engineering.

History and mission

The center was founded in 1988 with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and a consortium of lighting industry partners, recognizing a need for an independent, academic hub for lighting science. Its creation was championed by leaders at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute who saw the transformative potential of emerging technologies like solid-state lighting. From its inception, the mission has been to advance the effective use of light for society and the environment through interdisciplinary research, education, and technology transfer. This core objective has guided its evolution into one of the world's leading authorities on lighting, influencing standards set by bodies like the Illuminating Engineering Society and the International Commission on Illumination.

Research programs and initiatives

The center operates several major, long-term research programs that address critical challenges in the field. The **Solid-State Lighting Program** is a cornerstone initiative, focusing on the performance, application, and quality of LED technology, often in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. Another key program is the **Light and Health Program**, which investigates the non-visual effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep, and well-being. Other significant initiatives include research into **lighting for transportation safety**, supported by entities like the Federal Aviation Administration and state departments of transportation, and the **National Lighting Product Information Program**, which provides objective performance evaluations for lighting products.

Educational programs and degrees

The center is fully integrated into the academic structure of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, offering unique graduate education opportunities. It administers the **M.S. in Lighting** degree, one of the most comprehensive graduate lighting programs in the world, which covers fundamental science, design, and human factors. Students can also pursue a **Ph.D. in Architectural Sciences** with a concentration in lighting, conducting doctoral research under the guidance of faculty. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and interdisciplinary study, often involving collaboration with the School of Architecture and the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer.

Key research areas and impact

The center's research has had a profound impact across several key domains, fundamentally shaping modern lighting practice. In **human health and well-being**, its pioneering studies on circadian light and melatonin suppression have informed lighting design for healthcare facilities, offices, and schools globally. Its work in **lighting metrics and standards** has led to the development of new measurement methods adopted by organizations like the International Commission on Illumination. Research in **energy efficiency and sustainability** has directly influenced building codes and utility incentive programs, while its investigations into **lighting for safety and visibility** have improved standards for roadway lighting, aviation signage, and emergency vehicle lighting.

Facilities and laboratories

The center occupies dedicated, state-of-the-art facilities on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, housing specialized laboratories for controlled experimentation. The **Lighting Laboratory** features a full-scale, flexible mock-up space with a programmable sky simulator for daylighting studies. The **Optical Engineering Laboratory** is equipped for precise photometric, colorimetric, and goniophotometric measurements of light sources and materials. Other critical facilities include a **Human Factors Research Laboratory** for studying physiological and behavioral responses to light and a **Materials Testing Laboratory** for evaluating the reliability and lifetime of LED systems and components under various environmental stresses.

Notable faculty and researchers

The center has been led and staffed by internationally recognized scientists who have defined the field. **Dr. Mark S. Rea**, a founding director and professor, is renowned for his work on circadian photobiology and the development of the **model of human circadian phototransduction**. **Dr. Nadarajah Narendran**, the current director, is a leading expert in solid-state lighting technology, materials, and applications. Other prominent figures have included **Dr. John D. Bullough**, a specialist in visibility and transportation lighting, and **Dr. Mariana G. Figueiro**, whose research has extensively explored light and health for older adults and shift workers, influencing guidelines from the American Medical Association.

Category:Research institutes in New York (state) Category:Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Category:Lighting organizations Category:Research institutes established in 1988 Category:Buildings and structures in Troy, New York