The Applied Research division of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) offers robust contract research and testing services that help organizations bring new products to market, optimize processes and ensure quality. Our team of experts deploys cutting-edge equipment to generate reliable, actionable data.

Whether you need one-time testing or long-term research and development support, we can structure our services to fit your requirements. With a range of in-house expertise—from chemistry to biotechnology, advanced imaging and advanced materials—IALR is your partner for innovation and problem-solving.

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Analytical Chemistry Services

IALR’s ISO 17025-accredited Analytical Chemistry Lab supports clients worldwide across agriculture, biotechnology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We leverage sophisticated equipment (including ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, or UPLC-MS/MS; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, or GC-MS; and thermal analyzers) to identify and quantify chemical components accurately. Chemistry services include: 

  • Contract Testing and Analysis: From heavy metals in soil to reverse engineering product formulations, our experts perform detailed chemical evaluations.
  • Methodology Development: We design and validate custom processes and tests based on each client’s needs.
  • Quality Control (QC) and Release: Our lab routinely certifies product claims and verifies formulations, issuing Certificates of Analysis to promote regulatory and consumer confidence.
  • Hemp Testing: Specialized testing solutions ensure growers and processors maintain regulatory compliance.

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Learn about Contract Research with Biologicals 

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Biologicals Contract Research 

We conduct Contract Research involving microorganisms and biotechnology solutions across the agriculture, consumer goods and life sciences industries. We provide:

  • Customized Research Environments: Conduct trials in controlled environment agriculture systems, greenhouses or with advanced imaging (SMART Platforms).
  • Biostimulants and Biocontrol Agents: Access our proprietary library of bacterial endophytes to enhance plant health and resilience.
  • Flexible IP and Confidentiality Options: Clients can choose between NDAs or shared publications; we also offer co-development and licensing opportunities.
"IALR has provided Canon the environment and expertise to grow plants under various stress conditions, in an effort to understand how these stresses present themselves in the plants. IALR is unique in this capability, which is definitely something that we could not do at our commercial partner’s production facilities."
Ben Welch, Principal Engineer / Canon
"We’re willing to work closely with our clients to develop methodologies and targeted analysis specific to their needs."
Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist / IALR
"The IALR Analytical Chemistry Lab provides testing services that give clients the data that they need to move forward. What sets our lab apart is that we provide those services at a high level and a low cost."
Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research / IALR
"In terms of quality control, we are making sure that our products are in good shape for the customer. Jack and the team are helping us to achieve that goal."
Wei Zheng, Lab Technician / Mara Labs
"We have been working with IALR through the many growth stages of our company and could not have asked for better partners along the way. IALR's state of the art facilities and talented scientific team have helped us take our RNA technologies from lab to field."
Ameer Shakeel, Founder, CTO / AgroSpheres
"“The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research has proven to be invaluable to the Town of Altavista by helping to bring about a possible closure to the problem of PCB contamination in our communities’ waste water treatment pond. They are truly an asset to our region.”"
Mike Mattox / Mayor of Altavista
"“The word “opportunity” epitomizes the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. IALR is a place where students, faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs are actively working together to reach their full potential. IALR provides the ecosystem where discovery, innovation and commercialization is nurtured and celebrated. The leadership of IALR are invested in…"
Dr. Guru Ghosh / Virginia Tech

Advanced Plant Imaging (SMART Platforms)

IALR has developed Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table (SMART) Platforms to capture high-resolution images of plants every 15 minutes. This approach enables:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Track up to 84 plants in a single experiment, producing thousands of images per plant.
  • Robotic Precision: Collect valuable insights on canopy size, leaf shape, movement and stress responses.
  • Data-Driven Analysis: Convert raw images into quantifiable data (e.g., green pixel counts), supporting advanced studies on growth rates, nutrient uptake and more.

Advanced Plant Imaging Technology Details

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Camera equipment and plants

Advanced Materials Lab Details

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Advanced Materials Lab

Our Advanced Materials Lab offers a range of high-tech capabilities to support industry and academia working with various materials, including polymers and composites. Equipped with cutting-edge thermal, physical and chemical analysis instruments, the lab helps you solve and prevent complex problems across multiple sectors.

  • Materials Identification: Use advanced techniques to identify recyclable materials, verify composition and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Thermal Analysis: Evaluate properties like melting points, glass transition temperatures and thermal stability.
  • Physical and Chemical Analysis: Characterize mechanical strength, chemical composition and more to optimize product designs.
  • Facility Rentals: Companies can rent our Advanced Materials Lab for hands-on testing and characterization, leveraging our top-tier equipment and expertise.

Tailored Solutions for Your R&D Needs

IALR’s Applied Research division provides unique research and testing services that help organizations achieve their goals. Our scientists partner closely with our clients to deliver timely, data-backed results.