"Around the world, university research is fueling regional economic development. Here in Southside, we firmly believe that cutting edge research and technology transfer are the keys to economic revitalization. By focusing on research that is applicable to local industry, and which will help attract new businesses to the area, IALR is positioned to be a major player in Southside Virginia’s economic recovery."
-- Charles W. Steger, president of Virginia Tech

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Research

The four research centers located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research are focused on changing a region.

By capitalizing on abundant regional assets, the research centers at the IALR will transform Southside Virginia’s economic and intellectual climate and serve as magnets to attract talent, technology, entrepreneurs, and national interest.

Through centers focused on polymers, performance engineering and motorsports, high-value crops in horticulture and forestry, and unmanned systems and robotics, IALR research plays an integral role in the economic revitalization of Southside Virginia.

Polymers - AAPPI

The Advanced and Applied Polymer Processing Institute is a polymer processing center of excellence designed to contribute to the economic revitalization of Southside Virginia.

Robotics - JOUSTER

The Joint Unmanned Systems Testing, Experimentation, and Research Site is the first test and research program dedicated to the scientifically based evaluation comparison, and development of unmanned systems.

Motorsports - VIPER

The Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research is focused on achieving unprecedented advances in racing performance by combining performance engineering research with world-class racing facilities.

High Value Crops - ISRR

By generating research, education, and commercialization activities necessary to transform the existing regional tobacco base into viable new horticulture and forestry industries, the Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources merges Southside’s rich natural resources with high-tech innovations.