Auburn University has committed more than $17.5 million to work in seven priority areas of research which it calls the Peaks of Excellence. The Peaks of Excellence will advance Auburn’s leading-edge capabilities to a higher level and raise the university’s competitive research reputation throughout the world. Four of the research efforts among these multi–disciplinary programs have direct applications in biotechnology and the life sciences.

Auburn University’s Cellular and Molecular Biosciences Peak of Excellence is built upon the existing research strengths of Auburn’s life sciences faculty and researchers. Its programs involve multi-disciplinary researchers from the colleges of Agriculture, Human Sciences, Sciences and Mathematics, Veterinary Medicine and the Harrison School of Pharmacy. Cellular and Molecular Biosciences Website

The Detection and Food Safety Peak of Excellence at Auburn University joins multi-disciplinary researchers from the colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Human Sciences, Sciences and Mathematics, and Veterinary Medicine in the conduct of research to develop improvements in technologies for protecting the nation’s food supply and reduce the potential for contamination. Detection and Food Safety Website

Auburn University’s Fisheries and Aquaculture has an international reputation as being a world-class education and research program. Through its Peak of Excellence initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture research, Auburn partners with numerous state and federal agencies to pursue developments to enhance the world’s fish supplies and to improve the quality of aquaculture as a significant food source. Research in this Peak of Excellence encompasses the areas of commercial fisheries, recreational fishing and the protection and enhancement of aquacultural habitats in both fresh and salt water environments. Fisheries and Aquaculture Website

The Center for Forest Sustainability seeks to enhance and facilitate linkages among research and education activities that focus upon forest sustainability at regional, national, or international scales. The Center fosters collaborative efforts that integrate biological and socioeconomic issues. The CFS functions as a primary interface between society and forest sustainability issues which directly influence our quality of life. Forest Sustainability Website

Auburn University's world-class engineers in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering are leading the way in the development of sophisticated hardware and software at the forefront of Information Technology. The mission of the Information Technology (IT) Peak of Excellence is to research and develop new technologies that enable people to be always connected -- whether in the car, on foot, at home, at work, at play, or anywhere -- in ways that enhance their quality of life and benefit society. As early as the 1970's Auburn's researchers explored the development of the semiconductors and chips that are the heart of today's computers. Auburn engineers are now on the front line of research in software and hardware for today's Internet and tomorrow's wireless, always-connected world. Information Technology Website

For more than 75 years, Auburn University’s Poultry Science Department and related programs have contributed significantly to the growth and improved efficiency of the poultry industry. Through the Poultry Products Safety and Quality Peak of Excellence, Auburn is expanding this work toward identifying ways throughout the production and processing chain to ensure that the consumer is provided with safe poultry products of the highest quality. Poultry Products Safety and Quality Website

The fundamental emphasis is to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty members in areas that complement existing expertise to position Auburn engineering to become a nationally and international recognized research leader in transportation. The original Transportation Peak proposal envisions three major areas of research: vehicle, pavement infrastructure, and modeling and simulation. Transportation Website

This FAA-funded, multi-institution Center of Excellence conducts a comprehensive and integrated program of research and development on the cabin environment. The team brings the diverse expertise necessary to conduct research on the healthfulness of the cabin environment for passengers and crew, enhancement of aircraft environmental control systems, and detection and mitigation of chemical and biological threats aboard aircraft. ACER aims to be a unique resource for airlines, equipment manufacturers, cabin crews and the traveling public and places a major emphasis on partnerships with industry in the broadest sense. ACER Website

AAES is a research arm of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and the Colleges of: Agriculture, Human Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Science and Mathematics. It conducts research at its 14 experiment stations around the state in order to foster economic growth and natural resource management for rural Alabama by making information available through Alabama’s Land and Water Resources Information Center. Founded in 1883, AAES is one of the oldest agricultural experiment programs in the nation. Recent projects have focused on alternative uses of poultry and motor oil wastes, development of Alabama’s fish farming industry, the mitigation of damage caused by insects, organic vegetable production, and analysis of the $1.9 billion green industry. AAESWebsite

The mission of AMSTC is to advance microelectronics science, technology, and education by providing facilities which encourage interdisciplinary research and educational activities within Auburn University and the State of Alabama. This mission is accomplished by focusing on long-term research while also addressing the shorter term technological and manpower needs of the semiconductor industry. The AMSTC has grown to include nine distinct laboratories in the Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering Departments. Over 30 faculty and staff members and over 50 graduate students are involved in its research activities. AMSTC Website

CDRI was established in 1989 to conduct research and development efforts in support of canine detection technology. The mission of the Institute is to advance knowledge in order to enhance the practice of using canines for the detection of hazardous materials to protect people and property. In so doing, CDRI provides basic research, technological development, and outreach education to the detector dog community. CDRI Website

CAVE is dedicated to working with industry to develop and implement new technologies for packaging and manufacturing electronics. Center personnel work directly with member companies to identify challenges and opportunities for new materials, processes, and approaches to the production of electronics. These member companies select the research projects. CAVE researchers maintain close interaction with the industrial members through semiannual project reviews, visits, monthly updates, and frequent phone calls. CAVE currently has 12 member companies representing the material, component, equipment and electronics assembly industries. CAVE Website

The mission of IMPACT is to be a leading research center enabling secure systems, mobile and embedded systems, systems that are wirelessly networked, and systems that interact directly with people, for civilian and military applications. IMPACT Website

When combined with state and federal employees associated with the construction and maintenance of asphalt surfaced roads, the hot mix asphalt industry has a significant impact on the economic vitality of the nation. NCAT was created to ensure the industry’s ability to meet this challenge, and to create opportunities for the future. Many engineers from all sectors of the asphalt industry, who entered the work force in the early days of the interstate system, are reaching the end of their careers. These people must be replaced by engineers who are knowledgeable of asphalt materials and their proper use to successfully rebuild the highway sector of the transportation infrastructure. Thus, NCAT teaches several training courses for individuals in the HMA industry ranging in length from three days to two weeks. NCAT Website

This organization brings together the resources of the AU College of Agriculture, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and the AU School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. The purpose of the Institute is to position Auburn University to better serve our communities and better respond to the agricultural and natural resource needs of our state and nation. The creation and establishment of the Institute is the first step in Auburn University’s commitment to capitalize and focus on efforts to improve the utilization of our state’s abundant natural resources and enhance our ability to address critical issues that confront our state, nation, and world. NRMDI Website

The Scott-Ritchey Research Center's mandate is to perform state-of-the-art research into diseases and other medical problems of companion animals. Research within the Center is conducted under the auspices of Research Programs, which consist of investigators with similar interests. Additionally, researchers within the Center participate in a number of Research Interest Groups with broader, College of Veterinary Medicine wide faculty participation. SRRC Website

SRI seeks to create solutions through innovation for its customers. The Institute is committed to an independent, unbiased approach to research. For more than 15 years, SRI has solved numerous research and development problems in aerospace, defense, and energy technology areas for space and terrestrial applications. Institute personnel manage the NASA Center for Space Power and Advanced Electronics, operate specialized research laboratories, provide leadership on international- and national-level technical committees, publish technical papers, and hold over 15 patents dealing with space environment effects, energy conversion, high power electromagnetics, and shock wave physics. SRI Website