Princeton University is one of seventeen universities that will participate in a new Facebook initiative aimed at developing innovative technologies. The agreement, announced today, enables collaborations between universities and Facebook's Building 8, a research and product development team focused on advances in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, connectivity and other areas of invention.

"The agreement with Facebook represents an opportunity for our researchers to partner with industry to push the boundaries of knowledge and technological capability," said Princeton's Dean for Research Pablo Debenedetti, the Class of 1950 Professor in Engineering and Applied Science and a professor of chemical and biological engineering. "The relationship opens up possibilities for Princeton to work with company researchers in the areas that have the potential to enhance our global connectedness and improve wellbeing.

Photo caption: Facebook Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer, Head of Building 8’s Regina Dugan, and Facebook's founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg (Photo courtesy of Facebook)