Georgia Tech Research Institute

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Georgia Tech Research Institute
Type Nonprofit
Founded Atlanta (1934)
Headquarters Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key people Stephen Cross, Director, GTRI[1]
G. Wayne Clough, President, Georgia Tech
Industry Research and development
Engineering
Science
Economics
Public policy
Defense
Revenue $112.7 million USD (2006)[2]
Employees 1,290 (June 2006)[3]
Parent Georgia Institute of Technology
Website www.gtri.gatech.edu

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. GTRI employs around 1,300 people, and is involved in approximately $100 million in research annually for more than 200 clients in industry and government. GTRI's research spans a variety of disciplines, including national defense, homeland security, public health, education, and economic development. Major customers for GTRI research include United States Department of Defense agencies, the state of Georgia, non-defense federal agencies, and private industry. Overall, contracts and grants from Department of Defense agencies account for approximately 80% of GTRI’s total expenditures.[2]

Contents

[edit] Mission

The GTRI Mission: "Serve the university, the state, the nation, and the world by maturing selected technologies and developing innovative engineering solutions to important and challenging problems of society."[4]

GTRI conducts applied research to solve specific problems, including the development of hardware and software, performing tests and evaluations, and conducting experiments. GTRI's clients include government, industry, and academia.

[edit] History

See also: History of Georgia Tech

In its first decades of its existence, Georgia Tech slowly grew from a trade school into a university. However, there was little state initiative to see the school grow drastically until 1919.[5] That year, coinciding with federal debate about the establishment of Engineering Experiment Stations in a move similar to the Hatch Act of 1887's establishment of Agricultural experiment stations, the Georgia General Assembly passed an act entitled "Establishing State Engineering Experiment Station at the Georgia School of Technology."[5][6] This station was established with the goal of the "encouragement of industries and commerce" within the state. Unfortunately, the federal effort failed and the state did not finance the organization, so the new organization existed only on paper.[5][6]

In 1929, some Georgia Tech faculty members belonging to Sigma Xi started a Research Club at Tech that met once a month.[7] One of the monthly subjects, proposed by W. Harry Vaughan, was a collection of issues related to Tech, such as library development, and the development of a state engineering station. This group investigated the forty existing engineering experiments at universities around the country, and the report was compiled by Harold Bunger, Montgomery Knight, and Vaughan in December 1929.[7]

In 1933, S. V. Sanford, president of the University of Georgia, proposed that a "technical research activity" be established at Tech. President Marion L. Brittain and Dean William Vernon Skiles asked for and examined the Research Club's 1929 report, and moved to create such an organization. Vaughan was selected as its acting director in April 1934,[7][5] and $5,000 in funds were allocated directly from the Georgia Board of Regents.[7][5] EES's initial areas of focus were textiles, ceramics, and helicopter engineering.[8] The early work of the station was conducted in the basement of the Shop Building, and Vaughan's office was in the Aeronautical Engineering Building.[7]

By 1938, the Engineering Experiment Station was producing useful technology, and the station needed a method to conduct contract work outside of the state budget.[5] Consequently, the Industrial Development Council (IDC) was formed. The new organization was created as a non-profit contract organization for the EES, allowing the EES to receive federal contracts while retaining their relationship with Georgia Tech and the State of Georgia. It was created by the Chancellor of the University System and the president of Georgia Power Company, and the Engineering Experiment Station's director was a member of the council.[5] The IDC later became the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, which currently serves as the sole contract organization for all Georgia Tech faculty and departments.[5] In addition, the contract organization manages the intellectual property that results from research.

In 1948, the Industrial Development Council was renamed to the Georgia Tech Research Institute. In 1984, the Georgia Tech Research Institute became the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, and the Engineering Experiment Station became the Georgia Tech Research Institute.[8] Since it was established, GTRI has expanded its engineering focus to include science, economics, policy, and other areas that leverage GTRI's partnership with Georgia Tech.

[edit] Organization

The Centennial Research Building, GTRI's headquarters.
The Centennial Research Building, GTRI's headquarters.
The Baker Building
The Baker Building

GTRI is composed of seven laboratories organized by technical focus, which are further subdivided into divisions. Labs frequently collaborate with one another and outside groups based on the unique requirements of each project. GTRI performs research for clients at the local, regional, national, and international level, and employees are encouraged to present their work at conferences and consortia. At a given time, laboratories may work with 200 or more agencies simultaneously.

GTRI operates independently under the auspices of the Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation (GTARC).[9] GTRI’s project directors are responsible for direction of all aspects of projects, including marketing, contract development, research, and fulfillment. Most projects are conducted on a cost-reimbursable basis and must comply with negotiated Federal Acquisition Regulations specific to the operation of university research organizations.

[edit] University affiliation

GTRI enriches the Georgia Tech research environment for faculty and students by conducting externally sponsored, applications-oriented research programs that benefit the state, region, and nation. These programs, led by GTRI research faculty, contribute to national defense, civilian needs, and industrial competitiveness, and provide students with career experience through graduate research assistantships, cooperative education programs, and undergraduate assistantships.

GTRI's contributions to the Georgia Tech community include collaborative research with academic faculty, courses originated by GTRI faculty, and joint service efforts. Collaboration is strong between the faculties of GTRI and the academic schools and departments. Many GTRI researchers hold appointments as adjunct faculty members in Georgia Tech academic departments, serve on thesis advisory committees, and teach both academic and continuing education courses.

GTRI reaches out to the academic side of Georgia Tech for collaboration on many research activities, building interdisciplinary teams that take advantage of the broad experience and expertise of Georgia Tech’s top-ranked programs.

[edit] Laboratories

GTRI conducts its research programs through seven laboratories that focus on specific subjects:

ATAS develops advanced systems concepts and performs research related to aerospace systems, power and energy systems, threat systems, intelligent autonomous systems, and systems engineering methodologies.
ELSYS focuses on systems engineering solutions in electronic defense; modeling, simulation and analysis; countermeasures technique development; sensors performance analysis; electronic warfare systems integration; standardized test procedures; flight test support; laboratory support stations and test systems; missile warning system improvements; technology insertion and human factors.
EOSL has technology thrusts in the areas of electro-optical modeling and analysis, microelectronic and nanotechnology development, remote sensing, acoustics, and mechanical systems.
This laboratory, located in Huntsville, Alabama, primarily supports the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (USA AMRDEC) in its aviation and missile R&D efforts.
ITTL conducts a broad range of research in areas of computer science, information technology, communications, networking, and the development of commercial products from university research.
SEAL researchers investigate radar systems, electromagnetic environmental effects, radar system performance modeling and simulations, and antenna technology.
STL conducts research and development in electromagnetic materials and structures, electromagnetic apertures and scattering, optical and infrared physics and phenomenology, and secure information systems.

[edit] Interdisciplinary research centers

Many interdisciplinary research centers report through GTRI:[10]

Name Research area Reference
Center for Geographical Information Systems develops spatial programs and enhances digital spacial databases [11]
Center for International Development and Cooperation develops low-cost radar and phased array concepts through joint international research activities [12]
Center for Optimization of Simulated Multiple Objective Systems develops tools relating to the simulation of complex systems [13]
Commercial Product Realization Office provides clients with comprehensive technology selection, product design, prototyping, production preparation, product data documentation, and testing assistance [14]
Criminal Justice Science and Technology Center applies science, basic research and technology to the criminal justice system's needs, enhancing effectiveness, efficiency and fairness [15]
Dental Technology Center focuses on advancing dental and craniofacial science and technology [16]
Center for Innovative Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies researches low-temperature fuel cells, solid-oxide fuel cells, hybrid power systems, fuel processing, microscale fuel cells, battery materials, and rapid-charging batteries [17]
Environmental Radiation Center researches the effect of radiation in various environments [18]
Logistics and Maintenance Applied Research Center invents and implements technologies for condition-based maintenance, asset management, performance support technology, and health systems [19]
Military Sensing Information Analysis Center fosters communications within Military Sensing Technology community; creates standards; and collects, analyzes, synthesizes, maintains, and distributes critical information within the field [20]
Modeling and Simulation Research and Education Center develops and supports modeling and simulation programs [21]
Phosphor Technology Center of Excellence areas of phosphor technologies, including improving low-voltage thin-film electroluminescence displays, field emissions display films and thin-film cathode ray tube films [22]
Severe Storms Research Center organizes and coordinates the state's severe weather forecasting, serving as a focal point for severe storm research in Georgia [23]
Test and Evaluation Research and Education Center serves as a focal point for solving the problems of the Test and Evaluation Community [24]

[edit] Locations

[edit] Atlanta

GTRI is headquartered on the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, where five of its seven research laboratories are located.

[edit] Warner Robins

GTRI has a field office in Warner Robins, Georgia. This office is in place to facilitate on-site needs for Robins AFB.

[edit] United States

Two GTRI laboratories operate at a major off-campus research facility approximately fifteen miles north of Atlanta in Cobb County adjacent to the Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Additionally, GTRI operates a laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama. On-site research and business services also take place at a number of GTRI offices around the nation with locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Virginia, Ohio, and Texas.

[edit] International

GTRI's first international office is located in Athlone, Ireland and opened in June 2006.[25][26]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Paxton, Chelsea. "GTRI names Cross as new director", The Technique, 2003-06-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-04. 
  2. ^ a b 2006 Annual Report (PDF) 35. Georgia Tech Research Institute. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  3. ^ 2006 Annual Report (PDF) 39. Georgia Tech Research Institute. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  4. ^ 2006 Annual Report (PDF) 1. Georgia Tech Research Institute. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Combes, Richard (1992). "Origins of Industrial Extension: A Historical Case Study" (PDF). . School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
  6. ^ a b Tech Timeline: 1910s. Georgia Tech Traditions. Georgia Tech Alumni Association. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  7. ^ a b c d e McMath, Robert C.; Ronald H. Bayor, James E. Brittain, Lawrence Foster, August W. Giebelhaus, and Germaine M. Reed. Engineering the New South: Georgia Tech 1885-1985. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press. 
  8. ^ a b History. Georgia Tech Research Institute. Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
  9. ^ Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation. Retrieved on 2007-09-10.
  10. ^ 2006 Annual Report (PDF) 30. Georgia Tech Research Institute. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  11. ^ Center for Geographical Information Systems
  12. ^ Center for International Development and Cooperation
  13. ^ Center for Optimization of Simulated Multiple Objective Systems
  14. ^ Commercial Product Realization Office
  15. ^ Criminal Justice Science and Technology Center
  16. ^ Dental Technology Center
  17. ^ Center for Innovative Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies
  18. ^ Environmental Radiation Center
  19. ^ Logistics and Maintenance Applied Research Center
  20. ^ Military Sensing Information Analysis Center
  21. ^ Modeling and Simulation Research and Education Center
  22. ^ Phosphor Technology Center of Excellence
  23. ^ Severe Storms Research Center
  24. ^ Test and Evaluation Research and Education Center
  25. ^ March 16, 2006 Georgia Tech Press Release about GTRI Ireland. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  26. ^ June 21, 2006 Georgia Tech Press Release about GTRI Ireland. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.

[edit] External links

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