The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and the Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas, have signed a formal affiliation agreement that will foster and strengthen research collaborations between the two institutions.
Potential areas of collaboration include cybersecurity, unconventionals, autonomous systems, industrial robotics, nuclear technologies, student-focused education initiatives, water technologies, materials and corrosion, data analytics, manufacturing, food-water-energy nexus and smart grid technologies.
“This is a unique opportunity for collaboration between a state agency and a highly regarded research organization,” said Dr. Dimitris Lagoudas, deputy director of TEES. “We look forward to a productive relationship as we work together on projects of significant impact.”
“The collaboration will allow both organizations to tap into additional technical resources and expertise,” said Susan Crumrine, vice president of SwRI’s Automation and Data Systems Division. “It will also facilitate student-focused education initiatives and allow students to expand their education experience by participating in SwRI research programs.”
The MOU also supports efforts in the areas of participation in business development strategies; development of technical, management or cost proposals; and related exchanges of information and reviews of such information.
SwRI, founded in 1947, is an independent research and development organization that provides contract services in a wide range of advanced science and applied engineering arenas. The institute has 10 technical divisions with research capabilities in areas such as advanced electronics, materials sciences, environmental and health sciences, and unmanned vehicles and systems.
TEES operates a statewide network of research centers and institutes focused on six research areas: energy systems and services, healthcare, information systems and sensors, infrastructure, materials and manufacturing, and national security and safety.
Photo (back row, from left): Dr. Cindy Lawley, executive director of academic initiatives at Texas A&M University, and Lagoudas. Front from left: Dr. M. Katherine Banks, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering and director of TEES; Ron Kalmbach, executive director of contracts for SwRI; and Crumrine.