Rich Superfine, chair of the department of applied physical sciences, explains this next-generation approach to science and the new institute that will be home to it at UNC.

UNC researchers converge to pool their talents, creating nanocomposites with extraordinary properties.

Making solar energy more economical and developing targeted drug treatments to effectively fight cancer and cystic fibrosis — these are among the cutting-edge research activities affiliated with the new department of applied physical sciences.