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The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. GTRI employs over 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 72 percent of GTRI’s total expenditures.GTRI 2005 Report

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."GTRI 2005 Report

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.

History

The State Engineering Experiment Station (EES) was chartered by the Georgia Legislature in 1919. It began operation in 1934 with three researchers and a $12,000 annual budget. The station was created to develop the resources, industries, and commerce of Georgia by providing high-quality research while assisting with national science, technology, and preparedness programs.GTRI History

The initial areas of focus were textiles, ceramics, and helicopter engineering. Much early research was conducted in the Hinman Building, which now houses GTRI's Machine Services Department.

In 1946, the Georgia Tech Research Institute was created to serve 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. In addition, the contract organization manages the intellectual property that results from research. In 1984, the Georgia Tech Research Corporation and the Engineering Experiment Station became the Georgia Tech Research Institute.

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.

Organization

GTRI is composed of eight 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). 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 (FARs) specific to the operation of university research organizations.

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.

Laboratories

GTRI conducts its programs of research through eight laboratories that focus on specific areas of technical excellence:

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.

HESL develops technologies, information, and engineering solutions focused on enhancing human health and its relationship with the environment.

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 four technical areas: electromagnetic materials and structures, electromagnetic apertures and scattering, optical and infrared physics and phenomenology, and secure information systems.

Interdisciplinary Research Centers

Several interdisciplinary research centers report through GTRI:

CIDC develops low-cost radar and phased array concepts through joint international research activities.
CPRO provides clients with comprehensive technology selection, product design, prototyping, production preparation, product data documentation, and testing assistance.
Georgia Tech established CJSTC to apply science, basic research and technology to the criminal justice system's needs, enhancing effectiveness, efficiency and fairness.
DenTeC is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary research center focused on advancing dental and craniofacial science and technology.
FC/BT conducts leading edge research in low-temperature fuel cells, solid-oxide fuel cells, hybrid power systems, fuel processing, microscale fuel cells, battery materials, and rapid-charging batteries.
LandMARC invents and implements technologies for Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), Asset Management, Performance Support Technology (PST), and Health Systems.
SENSIAC fosters communications within Military Sensing Technology (MST) community; creates standards; and collects, analyzes, synthesizes, maintains, and distributes critical information within the field.
PTCOE performs research in several areas of phosphor technologies, including improving low-voltage thin-film electroluminescence displays, field emissions display films and thin-film cathode ray tube films.
SSRC organizes and coordinates the state's severe weather forecasting, serving as a focal point for severe storm research in Georgia. SSRC serves Georgia by providing quick response information to weather and emergency agencies and helping educate Georgians about severe weather.
STAR focuses technology development on space needs and applications.
TPAC was formed in 1981 to facilitate interdisciplinary research and analysis on technology-intensive issues. The Center works at the interface of engineering, policy, and management of technology.
TEREC serves as a focal point for solving the problems of the Test and Evaluation Community.

Locations

Atlanta

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

Warner Robins

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

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.

International

In March 2006, GTRI announced its first international office to be located in Athlone, Ireland.Georgia Tech Press Release about GTRI Ireland GTRI Ireland is scheduled to open in June 2006.

External links

References

Georgia Tech | Georgia Tech Research Institute | Defense companies of the United States

 

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