The Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) was created in 1929 to provide science, technology and education in support of a vibrant industry.  Today, evolving to meet the needs of a suite of industries with unlimited potential and complex challenges, IPST is an industrial research and development center strategically integrated within the vast resources of the Georgia Institute of Technology.  IPST is focused on leveraging its capabilities and access to world-class research personnel at IPST and Georgia Tech to provide solutions to strategic, economic, scientific, and technical challenges facing the forest products and paper industries. In addition to business and technical solutions, IPST's research develops the next generation of forest products industry leaders through graduate programs in Paper Science and Engineering. Our students pursue Master of Science and PhD degrees conferred by Georgia Tech.

IPST’s three strategic initiatives are the development of renewable, sustainable New Products from Forest Biomass; Biorefining, to enrich sites’ current portfolio of products to higher-value contributions to world markets; and Operational Excellence, to achieve breakthrough technologies to enhance capital effectiveness, improve efficiency and reduce cost. These initiatives are supported by cross-cutting support services in laboratory analysis, the Center for Business and Industry Studies, environment and sustainability, and policy. I invite you to join us, virtually and in person, in our pursuits as we explore these fascinating industries.

Norman Marsolan, Ph. D.
Director

Norman Marsolan, BS, Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, was appointed Director of the Institute in November, 2009. Marsolan was Director of Research & Development at International Paper Company after having held leadership and management assignments in process control, technology, and operations.  Marsolan was on the faculty at Louisiana Tech University (1976-1988) and served as Director of Engineering Research and Graduate Studies.   He is the immediate past chair of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI).