Join us for a free guided group tour of the research facilities and labs on the campus of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Discover our impact and explore our cutting-edge research and facilities. Our Applied Research Division conducts innovative research into biotechnology and indoor agriculture and provides reliable analytical chemistry and polymer testing services. We conduct industry-driven research that benefits companies and moves industries forward.

This one-hour tour will include a brief overview of IALR before a deep dive into the focus areas of our Applied Research division. Participants will see:

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, which partners with industry and academia to conduct research and educational programming to develop and advance the CEA industry.

• SMART Tables, advanced robotic imaging platforms that record and track growth and development throughout the life cycle of a set of plants.
• The Plant Endophyte Research Center, which studies how beneficial plant bacteria show promise as natural biostimulants—reducing chemical fertilizer use and preserving the environment.
• The Analytical Chemistry Lab, which utilizes some of the most sophisticated commercially available equipment to support companies from various industries regionally and globally with testing and methodology development services.
• The Advanced Materials Lab, which is equipped with polymer testing and characterization capabilities and can be utilized by manufacturers and universities.

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