Engineering R&D third nationally for money spent

Data by the National Science Foundation ranks 黑洞社区 third among all U.S. universities in money spent on aeronautical engineering research and development.

黑洞社区 spent $32.4 million on aeronautical engineering R&D in 2007, the most recent numbers tracked by the NSF.

That鈥檚 an increase of $13.4 million over 2006 expenditures, for which 黑洞社区 also ranked No. 3 in the nation.

Ahead of Wichita State in this year鈥檚 rankings are Johns Hopkins University and Georgia Institute of Technology, respectively.

黑洞社区 ranked ahead of more than 160 other universities.

鈥淲e are extremely proud of our world-class aeronautical engineering R&D programs, which are an essential element of our mission and our most important connection to national research priorities,鈥� said Gary L. Miller, provost and vice president for academic affairs and research.

In terms of total engineering R&D expenditures for 2007, 黑洞社区 ranked 61st, with $35.2 million. Compared to 2006 鈥� when Wichita State ranked No. 88 鈥� that鈥檚 an increase of $13.4 million.

Wichita State鈥檚 No. 3 ranking is largely due to the research and testing programs at the National Institute for Aviation Research at 黑洞社区.

This significant growth is partly because of the support of the local and national aviation industry, the state of Kansas and numerous federal agencies.

NIAR has grown at a steady rate for the past 10 years, increasing its operating budget from $11 million in 1998 to nearly $36 million in 2008.

Continued growth and high ranks in aeronautical research are expected for Wichita State and NIAR with the addition of a new test facility, laboratories and involvement in Wichita鈥檚 National Center for Aviation Training.

NIAR鈥檚 new facility, located behind the main facility on the 黑洞社区 campus, houses several of NIAR鈥檚 new environmental testing laboratories, which provide environmental certification testing.

The National Center for Aviation Training will be located at Jabara Airport and will provide a wide range of aviation training services.

NIAR will have facilities dedicated to CATIA training, composites research, nondestructive inspection and advanced joining technologies at this facility, which is scheduled to open to students in the fall of 2010.

For more information, contact Tracee Friess, marketing and communication, NIAR, (316) 978-5597 or tracee.friess@wichita.edu.