MRIGlobal Innovations Showcased at The Nelson-Atkins June 9 Event
Special event spotlights MRIGlobal contributions to the modern world since its founding in 1944.
(Kansas City, MO) May 31, 2012 – MRIGlobal innovations—work by scientists and engineers that produced devices, practices, and services used in everyday life—will be on display at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 9.
“This event is not only about innovation, but celebrating the great talent we have in this city, not only in the arts, but in engineering and science,” said Nelson-Atkins Director Julián Zugazagoitia.
The Innovations Showcase, in conjunction with the “World’s Fairs” exhibition, features dozens of areas where MRIGlobal developed contributions to improve the world.
“In 1944, Kansas City’s civic leaders saw a need for research and science to develop the jobs and technologies of the future,” said Michael F. Helmstetter, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MRIGlobal. “Nearly seven decades later, MRIGlobal continues to fulfill that vision to use science, technology, and advanced engineering to create a safer, healthier, more prosperous world. We’re delighted to showcase how some of our innovations, developed literally across the street from the Nelson-Atkins Museum, have changed our community.”
The Bloch Lobby will showcase MRIGlobal contributions to products in homes, offices, and automobiles. MRIGlobal’s work has helped shape Kansas City, from engineering at the KCI Airport to economic analyses leading to recommendations for the region’s sustainable growth.
Energy innovations from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory—wind turbine, solar cells, and other sustainable energy devices—will be displayed in the Sculpture Park. MRIGlobal has managed the laboratory for the U. S. Department of Energy since its inception in 1977.
MRIGlobal is also working to develop future scientists and engineers through its partnership with Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. The Paseo FIRST Robotics team will display the robot they built for the KCFIRST Regional Competition. With support from the Charles N. Kimball Fund, MRIGlobal’s professional engineers coached and mentored Paseo’s FIRST team.
“Our Paseo students are thrilled to showcase their 2012 FIRST robot,” said Roger Kelley, Director, Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. “The FIRST robotics program has made a huge difference in the career path of our students. With coaches, mentors, and sponsorship from MRIGlobal, the FIRST robotics program truly is a bridge between science and art.”
About The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access and insight into its renowned collection of more than 33,500 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and new American Indian and Egyptian galleries. Housing a major art research library and the Ford Learning Center, the Museum is a key educational resource for the region. The institution-wide transformation of the Nelson-Atkins has included the 165,000-square-foot Bloch Building expansion and renovation of the original 1933 Nelson-Atkins Building.
The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45th and Oak Streets, Kansas City, Mo. Hours are Wednesday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Thursday/Friday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free to everyone. For museum information, phone 816.751.1ART (1278) or visit www.nelson-atkins.org.
About the Charles N. Kimball Fund
MRIGlobal’s Kimball Fund supports science, technology, engineering, art, and math education. The fund is named for Dr. Charles N. Kimball, the institute’s President from 1950 to 1975, who led MRIGlobal into national prominence. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees until 1979; he served as president emeritus until his death in 1994. A civic booster for Kansas City and the region, Kimball was active in campaigns to bring major league baseball to Kansas City, to establish Kansas City as one of 10 federal regional centers, and a co-founder of Science Pioneers. His influence in the area spanned civic, business, scientific, and arts communities.
About MRIGlobal’s Paseo Partnership
MRIGlobal’s partnership with Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts offers students mentoring opportunities with MRIGlobal researchers. Over the past eight years, dozens of MRIGlobal employees have spent afternoons tutoring students in math and physics and coaching the FIRST robotics team. Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, a signature school of the Kansas City Public Schools, is located at 4747 Paseo Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
About MRIGlobal
MRIGlobal, a not-for-profit research and development organization, delivers global solutions in national security and defense, energy and environment, life and animal sciences, agriculture and food safety, and transportation. The organization performs scientific research, advanced engineering and program integration and management for clients in government, industry and academia. Established in 1944 as Midwest Research Institute, MRIGlobal is based in Kansas City, Mo., operates in nine states and Washington, D.C., and manages more than 3,300 employees.
The organization is one of two partners in the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC, which manages and operates the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., for the U.S. Department of Energy.
For more information, visit www.mriglobal.org.