ACERT

The Advanced Center for Electron Spin Resonance Research and Technology (ACERT) was founded to address a critical need in the entrepreneurial and scientific community: advancing the frontiers of Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy while making the technology more accessible to researchers and technology developers across disciplines. Building on decades of innovation in ESR methods and instrumentation by our founding director Jack H. Freed, ACERT was established as an independent nonprofit to carry forward this legacy, foster collaborations, and provide infrastructure for scientists and entrepreneurs who rely on ESR to answer fundamental questions in biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science. The motivation to start ACERT stemmed from both the growing importance of ESR in studying complex systems and the recognition that a dedicated, flexible, and collaborative hub was necessary to support innovation, training, and technology transfer.

ACERT’s work is centered on three core areas. First, we drive the development of new ESR-based methods and applications, spanning fields from basic research to drug development, materials science, and forensic science. Second, we partner with entrepreneurs and startups to translate ESR-based discoveries into practical technologies, providing expertise, guidance, and collaborative opportunities to accelerate innovation. Third, we are committed to education and outreach, offering training, workshops, and mentorship to prepare the next generation of scientists and developers of practical solutions. Together, these activities ensure that ACERT remains both a leader in advancing ESR science and a bridge between fundamental research, applied technology, and entrepreneurial innovation.