In efforts to compete in the field of accelerator physics, NIU has received a $4.2 million federal grant to start a research center and bolster its partnership with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia.

The grant was announced Wednesday in a statement from U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Yorkville, during the NIU Board of Trustees’ Finance,

Facilities and Operations Committee meeting. The deal marks the largest federal grant in NIU’s history, said Kathy Buettner, executive director of state and federal relations.

Operation will begin immediately on the Northern Illinois Center for Accelerator and Detector Development, based in a three-lab wing at Faraday Hall West. The goal will be to retain Fermilab’s prestige and maintain its place as the world leader in accelerator physics.

Hastert said NIU is an ideal recipient for the federal grant.

“In partnership with Fermilab, the center will help conduct the research and development necessary to develop options for future high-energy physics facilities,” the House Speaker stated.

Some of Fermilab’s past accomplishments include developing technology for medical and imaging industries and developing machines for cancer therapy. However, a collider under construction in Europe would surpass Fermilab’s current capabilities.

The current plan includes hiring 15 researchers, with seven already on board, said Jerry Blazey, a presidential research professor of physics and co-director of the new center.

“We want to build up a new accelerator physics program,” Blazey said. “There’s a great need for this program.”

NIU recently added a doctorate for the physics program, one of only three available in Illinois. The partnership already has allowed 100 undergraduate and graduate students to work at Fermilab.

The center could help in efforts to more fully understand the smallest known and unknown parts of matter.

“It’s a great opportunity for Northern and also a great opportunity for us,” said Steve Holmes, Fermilab associate director for accelerators. “The universities have a different sort of environment that nurtures creativity more than the laboratories.”