Carolina and Eastman Renew Collaborative Research Partnership
(photo by Donn Young)
August 5, 2025 | By Dave DeFusco
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Eastman have renewed their research partnership through 2031, doubling down on a shared investment in innovation. Since 2013, their Master Research Agreement has yielded substantial returns for both organizations—and for the broader fields of chemistry, materials science and engineering.
Over the next six years, Eastman will provide no less than $3 million to fund collaborative research projects with Carolina scientists, support site visits between the institutions and co-develop proposals for federal or other external funding. The partnership covers a wide swath of chemical and materials science research and technology development, from homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis to polymer synthesis and processing, organic synthesis, computational chemistry and novel analytical techniques.
“For more than a decade, our partnership with Eastman has been a catalyst for accelerating Carolina’s growth in applied sciences,” said UNC Vice Chancellor for Research Penny Gordon- Larsen. “What started as a partnership in chemistry and materials science has grown into a campus-wide engine for innovation—proving what’s possible when industry and academia join forces with purpose.”
For the chemistry department, the Eastman partnership has been a catalyst for growth. Frank Leibfarth, the Royce Murray Distinguished Term Professor of Chemistry, said that in one Eastman-supported research project, postdocs and graduate and undergraduate students in his lab are leveraging Eastman’s advances in BPA-free polyesters to develop sustainable, solvent-free processes that uncover advanced plastics with unique combinations of strength and flexibility for applications in coatings, adhesives and films. The project involves work at Carolina combined with monthly feedback from an Eastman scientist, providing a vibrant exchange of ideas that has created immense value for both sides.
“I have been especially appreciative of how the partnership with Eastman has enhanced the educational experience of UNC trainees,” said Leibfarth. “The investment and contributions of the Eastman scientist make us think about problems differently and teach us how to solve problems with a closer eye toward the eventual application. This experience is excellent exposure to a way of thinking that is uncommon in academia, and it provides exceptional preparation for trainees who want to become industrial scientists.”
The connection has proved so fertile that many Carolina-trained chemists are now among Eastman’s scientific ranks. Chris Killian, who earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill and now serves as Eastman’s senior vice president and chief technology and sustainability officer, is one of them.
“Our collaboration with UNC is one of the most productive academic relationships we’ve had,” said Killian. “We’ve been able to tackle real-world challenges together while investing in the future of science through student mentorship and development. We view UNC as a strategic partner in not just research, but talent development.”
Jeff Carbeck, Eastman’s vice president of corporate innovation and care solutions technology, echoed those sentiments.
“This partnership isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building the next generation of innovation,” said Carbeck. “The work being done at UNC spans from fundamental chemistry and materials science to applied engineering. Eastman’s collaboration takes many of those discoveries to commercial application. That’s the kind of partnership that leads to real breakthroughs.”
The renewed agreement reinforces the partnership through a range of collaborative mechanisms:
- Sponsored research projects funded either through formal calls for proposals or more informal channels.
- On-site exchanges, including Carolina students and faculty visiting Eastman manufacturing facilities, and Eastman scientists collaborating on campus or remotely via teleconference.
- Joint proposals for federal and other third-party funding.
- Workforce development, with graduate students and postdocs transitioning seamlessly into industrial roles at Eastman.
As part of the agreement, renewed in February of 2025, Eastman will contribute up to $50,000 annually to support activities that strengthen its visibility and presence within the Carolina community. This may include supporting the Eastman Lecture Series, BeAM makerspace materials, student competitions and challenges, departmental programs, recruitment efforts and visiting lectures.
Eastman and UNC have also partnered through the STAR (Student Teams Achieving Results) program at the Kenan-Flagler Business School. Using a data-driven consultative approach, a team of six bright business students, guided by an experienced faculty advisor, develop actionable recommendations for complex business challenges. These highly collaborative projects culminate in a presentation by the students to key Eastman stakeholders at the company headquarters in Kingsport, Tennessee. Eastman has partnered with STAR for nine projects since 2017 and received highly impactful solutions from the student teams.
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.