At the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, we connect academia, industry and the public and private sectors through innovative research and collaborative partnerships. Building on a rich history in agriculture—Virginia’s leading private industry—we combine expertise in the life sciences and technology to deliver solutions ranging from analytical chemistry to biotechnology research experiments in our cutting-edge facilities. Our industry-driven approach ensures that we meet both complex research needs and routine testing services, moving industries forward while driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia and beyond.
Meet Our
Vice President, Applied Research
Contract Research, Testing and Services
The IALR research team offers robust contract research and testing services that help organizations bring new products to market, optimize processes and ensure quality. From one-time testing to long-term research and development support, we can structure our services to fit client requirements. With a range of in-house expertise—from chemistry to biotechnology, advanced imaging and advanced materials—IALR is an ideal partner for innovation and problem-solving.
Controlled Environment Agriculture
By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector. CEA helps protect plants from disease and stress while providing ideal growing conditions for high-quality, quick-to-harvest food products.
Our Focus Areas
The research team at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) operates at the intersection of agriculture and technology, driving innovation to meet industry needs. Our applied research division’s work spans controlled environment agriculture, biotechnology, analytical chemistry, robotic imaging, fermentation and food systems
Analytical Chemistry
With cutting-edge equipment and talented scientists, the research team at IALR provides analytical chemistry services, including methodology development and chemical testing services. Clients include local growers, businesses of all sizes from various industries, and government contracts. We provide analytical services that help clients speed up the decision-making processes and quantify the efficacy of materials or products.
Plant Endophyte Research Center
IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center is the first of its kind in the U.S. It leverages private and public partnerships, an elite team of scientists and exclusive equipment and testing services. A library of 2,000 endophytes, or beneficial plant bacteria, show promise as natural biostimulants—reducing chemical fertilizer use and preserving the environment.
