Courtesy photos The New Hampshire Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research lab will receive a $20 million federal grant to study the potential for life-saving biomaterials through 3D printing.

DURHAM – A $20 million federal grant should help the University of New Hampshire study the development of life-saving biomaterials through the use of 3D printing, Granite State leaders announced this week.

Specifically, the $20 million will go from the National Science Foundation to New Hampshire’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research at UNH.

The grant will fund NH BioMade, a five-year project aimed at expanding New Hampshire’s research capacity in the design and development of biomaterials using 3D printing.

NH BioMade will work closely with the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) in Manchester and other partners to accelerate the advancement in biomaterials design and manufacturing.

“Building on ARMI and the tax breaks and loan forgiveness we now offer for people employed in the area of regenerative manufacturing, this project is another step forward in our work to keep the best and brightest young people in the state to build the skilled work force and conduct the research that our businesses need and ensure our state’s economy continues to thrive and grow,” Gov. Chris Sununu said.

“This grant will allow New Hampshire to expand its research capacity throughout the state through work force development programs, growing our economy and creating jobs,” U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said. “The research and design of biomaterials will help save lives, and I am thrilled to see the National Science Foundation recognize New Hampshire’s role in the development of this cutting edge technology.”

“Supporting our scientists and research facilities is one of the most important investments we can make in our nation’s health and well-being, and I will continue to fight to support the National Science Foundation which makes this critical funding possible,” added U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.

Officials said the project will result in “developing a strong work force for biotechnology and advanced manufacturing through additional hiring, work force training and education.”

“This funding will support groundbreaking research into biomaterials that will help to shape the future of medicine,” U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., said. “High-tech advanced medical research is an increasingly important component of New Hampshire’s economy and this $20 million grant will support the Granite State’s leadership as a pioneer in the health care technologies of the future.”

“This funding will be used to establish a new facility to research and assemble state-of-the-art biomaterials and will support the hiring of 11 new faculty researchers across our state. From orthopedics to trauma treatment, these new compounds have the potential to revolutionize surgical and other life-saving procedures,” U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-N.H., added.

“This National Science Foundation grant allows us to implement recommendations from the New Hampshire University Research and Industry Plan, which analyzed how the state could best use its assets and strengths to grow research and development and high wage jobs in specific industry clusters, including biosciences and biotechnology,” university Senior Vice Provost for Research Jan Nisbet added.