Research centers and institutes

The BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action approaches evolution in an innovative way, bringing together biologists, computer scientists, and engineers to study evolution as it happens and apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems. BEACON is an NSF Science and Technology Center, headquartered at Michigan State University with partners at North Carolina A&T State University, University of Idaho, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington.

CANVAS research is concentrated on traditional radars, laser radars (lidars), computer software, and development of artificial intelligence algorithms that allow a vehicle to maneuver in its environment and creating a clear picture of the interwoven systems affecting vehicles, their passengers, and the entire transportation system.

Composite materials are a new class of materials that combine two or more separate components into a form suitable for structural applications. While each component retains its identity, the new composite material displays macroscopic properties superior to its parent constituents, particularly in terms of mechanical properties and economic value.

The Composite Vehicle Research Center focuses on the design and testing of composite structures for light-weight, environment-friendly, durable and safe vehicles. The thrust areas are: advanced design of composite shells and structures for vehicles; development of novel experimental mechanics methods and smart sensing systems for analysis, non-destructive evaluation and structural health monitoring; and integration of simulation and experimental mechanics in design protocols for vehicles.

The Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies, in partnership with Michigan State University, provides innovative R&D services based on its expertise in coating and diamond technology.

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) is a U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With Michigan State University and other partners, we are developing sustainable biofuels and bioproducts made from dedicated energy crops grown on marginal lands. Our mission is simple: creating biofuels and bioproducts that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

MSU IQ — the Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering — is dedicated to basic and applied research at the intersection of engineering, human medicine, and natural science. We’ve recruited faculty from some of the top academic centers around the world.

MSU’s Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) helps small and medium sized US manufacturers and commercial buildings save energy, improve productivity, and reduce waste by providing no-cost technical assessments conducted by a team of students and faculty.

The National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP) was established by Michigan State University and FP2, Inc. to lead collaborative efforts among government, industry, and academia in the advancement of pavement preservation by advancing and improving pavement preservation practices through education, research and outreach.