News
-
August 28, 2026
Lunar eclipse: Time-lapse of the moon, viewer photos, and reaction at RIT observatory
WHEC-TV reports that more than 100 people gathered at RIT’s observatory to watch Thursday night’s partial lunar eclipse, using the observatory’s telescope to get a closer look as Earth’s shadow gave the moon a reddish tint.
-
August 27, 2026
NASA is gearing up to launch its next flagship space telescope – combining spy technology with sophisticated infrared detectors
The Conversation features an essay by Don Figer, professor in the College of Science and director of RIT's Center for Detectors, explaining how NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope combines repurposed spy technology with sophisticated infrared detectors to study dark matter, distant galaxies, supernovas and planets.
-
August 25, 2026
RIT part of NSF-funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute
RIT is building its eminence in quantum research as part of a $37.5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) award for large-scale interdisciplinary research projects known as Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes.
-
August 19, 2026
What are data centers? Here’s how they work and why they matter
Poynter speaks with Ke Xu, assistant professor of physics, about the growing computing demands of artificial intelligence and how AI is changing the scale and intensity of data center use.
-
August 19, 2026
For cutting boards, is wood or plastic healthier? We asked experts
The Seattle Times speaks with RIT environmental science professor Christy Tyler about the potential health risks of microplastics released from plastic cutting boards and what consumers should consider when choosing between plastic and wood. (This content may require a subscription to view.)
-
August 17, 2026
Tests of a New Telescope Captured the Faint Aftermath of a Star’s Death
The New York Times speaks to Joel Kastner, professor of imaging science at RIT, about new images from the MOTHRA telescope that reveal previously unseen stellar debris surrounding the Helix Nebula.
-
August 7, 2026
Don Pettit’s Staggering Photo Confounds Skeptics
PetaPixel highlights an RIT-built camera mount that enabled NASA astronaut Don Pettit to capture a striking long-exposure image of the Milky Way from the International Space Station by compensating for the station's orbital motion.
-
August 5, 2026
Proposed data centers dividing New Yorkers even as moratorium goes into effect
State of Politics speaks to Ke Xu, assistant professor of physics, about the growing demand for AI data centers and the role they play in supporting next-generation computing amid New York's debate over new facilities.
-
July 23, 2026
RIT professor expands Great Lakes microplastics research to Georgian Bay
Rochester Institute of Technology Professor Matthew Hoffman is taking his mathematical models from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron to help map and assess microplastic pollution in Georgian Bay.
-
July 20, 2026
Federal grant launches University of Rochester-led laser innovation hub
WHAM-TV highlights RIT's role in the new NSF-funded STELLAR Engine, a regional innovation hub that will advance laser research, manufacturing, workforce development, and economic growth across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region.
-
July 16, 2026
RIT joins laser technology hub
PIC Magazine highlights RIT's role in the newly funded STELLAR initiative, emphasizing the university's expertise in photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor fabrication, optical manufacturing, and photonics education to advance next-generation laser technologies.
-
July 16, 2026
Undergrads from colleges across the U.S. come to RIT for summer research
RIT is hosting four Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program sites this summer, which are designed for students to develop a passion for research and receive guidance for pursuing graduate careers. The university has a longstanding history hosting REU sites, which are funded by grants from the National Science Foundation.