About Us

The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the world's leading center for lighting research and education. Established in 1988 by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the LRC conducts research in light and human health, transportation lighting and safety, solid-state lighting, energy efficiency, and plant health. LRC lighting scientists with multidisciplinary expertise in research, technology, design, and human factors, collaborate with a global network of leading manufacturers and government agencies, developing innovative lighting solutions for projects that range from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to U.S. Navy submarines to hospital neonatal intensive-care units. In 1990, the LRC became the first university research center to offer graduate degrees in lighting and today, offers a M.S. in lighting and a Ph.D. to educate future leaders in lighting.

Our Mission
To advance the effective use of light for society and the environment

Our Role
We view the LRC as the nucleus for independent lighting research and education. We are the pre-eminent source of objective, timely information about lighting technologies and applications and about human response to light.

Our Values
We are committed to influencing lighting practice through multidisciplinary research and demonstrations; educating the future leaders in lighting; encouraging a view of lighting wherein economic gains are balanced with environmental sustainability; and providing a collaborative working environment for faculty, staff, and students.