The University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) will share its connection to world-renowned materials research and development with the federal government through a two-year, $800,000 grant from the U.S. Army's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC).
ARDEC, nationally recognized for its commitment to quality and continual improvement, struck the agreement with UARF, also known for its entrepreneurial dedication to excellence in creating new ideas to improve products and performance.
Goal is consistency in materials development
Through the agreement, UARF will assist ARDEC in completing its goal of developing an improved method to communicate and translate the needs, standards and requirements of government agencies to academic researchers and industrial contractors to assure consistency in materials development.
Headquartered in Picatinny, N.J., ARDEC is the U.S. Army's principal researcher and developer of current and future armament and munitions systems. The center is the recipient of the 2007 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, the Presidential Award for Quality, two Army Communities of Excellence Awards, and several Army Research and Development Organization of the Year Awards.
Technology transfer expertise
UARF bridges gaps between industry and The University of Akron, facilitating the transfer of technology to private companies. It also provides intellectual property, commercialization and enterprise creation support to university faculty, staff and students, as well as entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners.
UARF is uniquely suited to provide the expertise to support the preparation of a comprehensive technical plan and provide technical assistance in ARDEC developing a world-class approach to polymer processing, says Dr. George Newkome, UA's vice president for research and UARF president.
"ARDEC requires assistance in developing an innovative process to communicate its technical needs that will result in the accelerated development and use of required polymer materials," Newkome says. "UARF not only has the connection to renowned researchers in advanced and new materials at The University of Akron, but also to a vast network of U.S.-based polymer manufacturing companies in Ohio that can rapidly manufacture required materials and components.
"This is a logical step for both ARDEC and UARF," he adds. "We are most grateful to U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton for her assistance in moving forward this significant initiative that will have many positive effects on the state's economic development and other important national issues."
"I am so pleased that we were able to secure this important funding," Rep. Sutton says. "These funds are critical for the University of Akron Research Foundation, allowing it to continue its important work for the security of our nation while promoting economic growth in our communities."
- See also: more information on ARDEC.