(June, 2005) Matthew Yates, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, has received a three year grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop improved membranes for fuel cells. The grant is part of a recent $64 million Department of Energy initiative to foster fundamental breakthroughs in hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, and new fuel cell technologies. The University of Rochester will be one of more than 50 research organizations, including academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry, funded by the DOE programs to advance President Bush's Hydrogen Fuel Intuitive. The research vision is "aimed at making hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and refueling stations available, practical and affordable for American consumers by 2020." Professor Yates' research will focus on creation novel composite polymer fuel cell membranes that have the potential for improved performance and lower cost than exiting fuel cell membranes.