Research Areas
Since the 1960s, CEAT has sought to create industry-university
alliances for the transfer of University-developed technology
to industrial problems. The research areas were chosen so that
OSU will develop a national visibility and a reputation for its
work. Currently, there are three industrial consortia agreements
to study: (1) ion exchange technology for ultra-pure water, (2)
downhole corrosion of petroleum production sites, and (3) the
behavior of high-speed webs for paper and plastic manufacturing.
These programs focus on research areas that will assist and enhance
state and national industries and have the potential to contribute
to future economic growth.
A strong CEAT commitment of support for state economic development
activities has resulted in the successful pursuit of grants from
the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
(OCAST). Formed by legislation in the late 1980s, OCAST is responsible
for the support of businesses, industries, and laboratories engaged
in product research and development. The purpose of the act is
to promote state economic development by establishing programs
to create new products and processes, and to facilitate development
and marketing. CEAT has been a strong partner in this activity,
participating in the Chairs and Professorship, Health Research,
Applied Research Centers of Excellence Programs, and the Oklahoma
Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence.
In addition to external grants and contracts, the University also
supports faculty research by providing release time for professors
to pursue research that does not currently have external sponsors.
These funds target new faculty members and provide an avenue to
develop research that will be successful in competing for extramural
funds.