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IPRT FactsheetThe Institute for Physical Research and Technology is a network of scientific research centers at Iowa State University. Through its Company Assistance efforts, IPRT helps Iowa companies solve technical problems, create new products, and increase productivity and quality. IPRT also works to educate tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. Scientific ResearchWith its network of research centers, IPRT encourages scientists to form multidisciplinary teams to find innovative, comprehensive solutions for some of today’s most complex scientific challenges. IPRT’s areas of expertise include materials and chemical sciences, virtual reality, nondestructive evaluation, aircraft reliability, forensic sciences, biorenewable energy, high-purity metals, microelectronics fabrication, catalytic processes, cluster and parallel computing, advanced semiconductors, and rare earths and magnetics. Company AssistanceIPRT Company Assistance helps Iowa manufacturers and entrepreneurs solve technical problems, create new products, and increase productivity and quality. Each year, IPRT works with more than 150 Iowa firms, from one-person startups to Fortune 500 corporations. IPRT Company Assistance provides short-term technical assistance on materials and nondestructive evaluation problems through its staff dedicated to helping Iowa companies. For contract research and development projects, IPRT Company Assistance can provide matching funds and facilitate discussions, assist with proposal development and contract negotiations, and manage projects from start to finish. EducationEducation is a vital component of IPRT’s mission. Over one-third of IPRT’s staff is composed of undergraduate and graduate students, who learn by working on real-world projects and research. In addition, IPRT administers the Science Bound program, which works to increase the number of diverse Iowans who pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. IPRT Research CentersCatron Center for Solar Energy Research Supports research on solar energy technologies that can address Center for Building Energy Research Focuses on efficient and renewable energy issues related to buildings, developing technologies to reduce energy consumption Center for Catalysis Dedicated to the development of useful, practical catalysts and sustainable green chemistry methods. Scientists investigate Center for Nondestructive Evaluation Develops noninvasive methods and instruments for assessing the integrity of structures and materials. Center for Physical and Computational MathematicsDevelops strategies and algorithms for high-performance computing via cluster computers and local grid computing. Center for Sustainable Environmental TechnologiesDevelops and demonstrates renewable energy and chemical technologies and environmental technologies related to fossil fuels. FAA Airworthiness Assurance Center of ExcellenceIdentifies and provides solutions for national aircraft safety problems with a focus on inspection and maintenance issues. Major efforts include the Center for Aviation Systems Reliability and the Engine Titanium Consortium. Materials Preparation CenterPrepares high-purity metals, alloys and compounds in single and polycrystalline forms for research and engineering uses. Microelectronics Research Center Develops advanced materials, devices and process technologies Midwest Forensics Resource CenterPartners with local, state and federal agencies to address regional forensics needs for training, research, casework, and education. Virtual Reality Applications Center An interdisciplinary research center focusing on the rapidly expanding interface between humans and computers. |
Achievements• IPRT has worked on over 1,100 company-assistance projects in the last five years with over 680 companies located in 88 Iowa counties. • Iowa companies generated an average of $13.9 million in annual sales, cost savings and investments thanks to IPRT Company Assistance, according to a survey of clients. • “C6, ” the world’s most advanced computer-driven virtual reality facility, is a part of IPRT’s Virtual Reality Applications Center. • IPRT’s Center for Nondestructive Evaluation is a world leader in its field. Its scientists are often called upon to help evaluate the cause of aircraft and spacecraft failure.
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