Are you an academic researcher with an exciting new project involving spectroscopy, and do you need a free spectrometer system to help achieve this? StellarNet Inc. has launched its STAR Instrument Program, which aims to provide annually a complete spectrometer system worth up to $15,000. “The goal of this program is to further research in the field of UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy,” said Michelle Ritchie, the company’s marketing director. “We are seeking a winner whose unique application will advance the use of miniature spectrometers in the lab and/or field.” The company hopes to elicit entries from universities and colleges (including community colleges) that have an interesting new research topic involving spectroscopy. Entries will be judged by the quality of the problem to be solved, and by whether the task is suitable for UV-VIS-NIR measurements in the range of 200 to 2300 nm. The winning entry should relate to a problem in chemistry, biology, agriculture, physics or similar studies; be suitable for a StellarNet spectrometer, accessories and software; be well-presented; and, hopefully, be unique. To enter, contestants, must explain their new technology or application involving spectroscopy (in ~500 words), including how they will use a StellarNet miniature spectrometer to further that research. The company will select the winner and tailor the prize package — spectrometer, accessories and software — to help accomplish that project’s goals. The deadline for entries is Oct. 31, and the contest is open to all undergraduates, graduates, postdocs and professors. For more information, visit: www.stellarnet.us