The Institute of Paper Chemistry was established in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA, in 1929. It sought to establish a novel graduate program focused on disciplines that were foundational to the Pulp and Paper industry, together with research programs, both basic and applied that were relevant to the industry. Affiliation with Lawrence College would lead to easy accreditation. Private support of the institute by the paper industry would give it freedom to develop its programs to meet the unique needs as they envisioned them. An undergraduate program was not included.<br/>Circumstances during the period between the two World Wars were such that many prominent scientists from both the US and Europe were available to join the faculty. Among them in the fields of wood and cellulose chemistry were Louis Wise, dean of wood chemists in the US at the time; Emil Heuser in cellulose research, followed in the early 1950s by Kyle Ward, both pioneers and authors of classic works; Friederich Brauns author in lignin chemistry; Norman Thompson an outstanding wood chemist and pioneer in the field of hemicelluloses; Dean Einspahr in the field of tree genetics.<br/>Some faculty focused on basic research while others were drawn to applied research. Students were able to work with both because the structure and financial support of the Institute made it possible to provide stipends for support of the students as well as budgets for their research projects; the faculty did not have to provide any support from grants. In fact, faculty members received funding for their support staff as well as all equipment from Institute funds.<br/>The programs continued and evolved into the 1980s. In 1989 the Institute was relocated to the campus of Georgia Institute of Technology as “The Institute of Paper Science and Technology”.

The Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wisconsin. 1929 – 1989

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