Behind the Columns

Behind the Columns

Behind the Columns: Celebrating the History and Legacy of the Mellon Institute

  • Thursday, October 17
  • 4:30pm – 6:30pm
  • Mellon Institute Library

For decades, companies without in-house “research and development” laboratories relied on the scientists and engineers of Pittsburgh’s Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to conduct cutting-edge scientific experimentation on their behalf. As one of the nation’s premier independent research centers since its inception in 1913, the Mellon Institute engaged the brightest scientific minds of its time to develop, test, and refine new chemical, biological, and materials science innovations on behalf of its corporate partners, in the process defining the profession of sponsored research, spinning off successful companies, and developing industry-changing technologies. Now, after nearly two years of work to organize and preserve the institutional records of this important institute, the Carnegie Mellon University Archives are pleased to officially open the collection to researchers.

In celebration of this milestone, the Libraries will present a keynote talk by Ellan Spero, historian of science and technology, followed by a round table discussion of the Institute’s enduring legacy, featuring special guests.

Register here: https://cmu.libcal.com/calendar/events/behind-the-columns

Roundtable Participants:

  • Guy Berry, Professor Emeritus, Mellon College of Science, former Senior Fellow, Mellon Institute
  • Alberto Guzman, former Associate Director, Carnegie Mellon Research Institute
  • Brian Zande, former Scientist, Carnegie Mellon Research Institute

The event will be accompanied by an exhibition in the Mellon Institute Library reading room and building tours by the former University Architect. Building Tours require a separate registration and space is limited.

Due to new Mellon Institute security procedures, photo identification will be required to enter the building for this event and all tours.