FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Lynchburg, Virginia – The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) this week established a five-year master research agreement with the University of Virginia to sustain and improve the growth of innovative industries in the greater Lynchburg area.
As a member of Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership, the CAER is dedicated to growing an industry-based research presence in the region, in support of area companies.
Under the terms established, U.Va.’s School of Engineering and Applied Science agrees to provide personnel and expertise to the CAER for administrative and research support services that will benefit the region’s high-tech companies. The CAER will provide funding through federal, state, and industry sources and assist in managing the research projects with U.Va.
“This agreement will certainly speed up the process to get research underway,” said Bob Bailey, CAER executive director. “It cuts out having to work out all the standard terms and conditions on every project with U.Va. and gives us access to some of the best technical expertise in the Commonwealth.”
James H. Aylor, dean of U.Va.’s engineering school, is in agreement. “This relationship will help make the interface between the academic and corporate world much more efficient,” he said. “Research projects will be expedited and innovations will be brought to market sooner as a result. We are excited about the increased interaction between U.Va.’s engineering school and the Lynchburg industrial community.”
The CAER reached a similar agreement with Virginia Tech early last year providing dedicated faculty and resources on several projects with the region’s major employers. It also has a working agreement with Liberty University to utilize its Wireless Research Lab, which provides a unique electro-magnetic testing environment for electronics companies.
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About the CAER:
The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research was organized in 2004 through the efforts of Virginia’s Region 2000 Economic Development Partnership. It assists area industries in achieving advances in technology through specialized research and facilitates professional development opportunities for scientists and engineers in the region. http://www.caer.us/
About Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership:
Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership is made up of the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research, Economic Development Council, Local Government Council, Technology Council, The Workforce Investment Board, and The Young Professionals of Central Virginia. The Partnership serves the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell; the towns of Altavista, Amherst, Appomattox and Brookneal; and the cities of Bedford and Lynchburg. http://www.region2000.org/
About the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science
Founded in 1836, the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science combines research and educational opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Within the undergraduate programs, courses in engineering, ethics, mathematics, the sciences and the humanities are available to build a strong foundation for careers in engineering and other professions. Its abundant research opportunities complement the curriculum and educate young men and women to become thoughtful leaders in technology and society. At the graduate level, the Engineering School collaborates with the University's highly ranked medical and business schools on interdisciplinary research projects and entrepreneurial initiatives. With a distinguished faculty and a student body of 2,000 undergraduates and 650 graduate students, the Engineering School offers an array of disciplines, including cutting-edge research programs in computer and information science and engineering, bioengineering and nanotechnology. http://www.seas.virginia.edu/
Contacts:
Bob Bailey
Executive Director, CAER
434-847-1447 ext. 312
Traci Blido
Communications Officer
Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership
434-847-1447 ext. 317