Advanced Materials

The Advanced Materials and Technologies Laboratory (AMTL) at Virginia Tech focuses on issues pertaining to the design and manufacturing science of advanced materials with an emphasis on understanding the complex physical phenomena of fabrication. Research sponsors include GE, Pratt & Whitney, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense.

The Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures (CIMSS) focuses on the use and development of smart materials and structures, starting from materials science and working through the chain of research and development, including device design and modeling. CIMSS has many active projects in structural dynamics, structural health monitoring, energy harvesting, and applications of materials science for smart materials and structures.

The Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII) is a university-wide research and education institute dedicated to fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of the macromolecular sciences and technologies. MII houses the Center for Performance Packaging, which takes a systems and materials approach to packaging that functions as a “one-stop shop” for industry-centric packaging solutions. Virginia Tech is one of only 10 research universities in the United States to offer a degree in packaging.

The University of Virginia is one of only three universities (Virginia Tech is another) in the United States selected to join the global Rolls-Royce University Technology Centers network. UVA’s center specializes in the study of advanced materials systems, flow modeling, and other fields. UVA works closely with Rolls-Royce to investigate ceramic matrix composite materials for use in aerospace and other high-technology markets.

In 2019, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) ranked in the top 30 of MSE departments nationally by U.S. News.

The Center for Materials Research (CMR) conducts pioneering research in materials science in four categories: optics, plasmonics and meta-materials; nano-materials and nanotechnology; advanced functional materials and devices; and semiconductor materials and devices.

A cooperative research center with the University of South Carolina, industry partners, and the NSF, the Center for Rational Catalyst Synthesis (CeRCaS) is the world’s first and only research center that focuses on understanding the chemical fundamentals of catalyst synthesis, an essential element for the preparation of commodity chemicals, textiles, agricultural products, specialty chemicals, and fine chemicals, including pharmaceuticals.

An applied research center that provides production-ready advanced manufacturing solutions to member companies across the globe. Members guide the research, leveraging talent and resources within CCAM and at Virginia universities through a collaborative model that enables them to pool R&D efforts to increase efficiencies. Strategic research areas include adaptive automation systems, surface engineering, additive manufacturing, and machining science and technology.

The Applied Research Center (ARC) is the flagship research facility for the Applied Research Center Consortium, a collaboration of four Virginia colleges (Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and the College of William & Mary) and the Jefferson Lab. Its mission is to advance the use of processes that control energy to create and modify materials, structures, and devices for high-value-added manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, marine, and semiconductor industries.

ChemQuest Technology Institute is a state-of-the-art facility in Southern Virginia providing coatings suppliers the ability to test their products in a controlled environment that replicates a range of production conditions.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has invested in two distinct laboratories focused on the characterization and processing of polymer materials. 

Offers the Advanced Film Certification Program, a 28-credit program offered through Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) and the New College Institute (NCI). Classes are taught at PHCC and NCI and provide access to equipment located at Eastman and Commonwealth Laminating & Coating. As part of the curriculum, students are offered a hands-on or paid internship at either Eastman or Commonwealth Laminating & Coating. At the end of the program, participants earn certification in a field that includes solar control films, photovoltaic frontsheets and backsheets, precision coating, laminating, and industrial dyeing.

Offers a Certificate in Polymer Manufacturing Processing. Courses provide students interested in the polymer industry with theoretical and hands-on knowledge that prepares them for technician-level jobs in the plastics industry. The Regional Center for Advanced Technology & Training (RCATT) is a 24,000-square-foot building that features polymers, electronics, and industrial maintenance technology laboratories.

Created the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) to increase accessibility to advanced technology industry training and credentials.  The MSI provides relevant education and skills training for careers in advanced manufacturing by offering world-class training programs delivered by MSI and its education partner institutions. Programs include manufacturing technician training, world-class manufacturing training, industrial energy auditor training, and industrial safety readiness training.

Is a training system that produces highly skilled workers through a combination of on-the-job training and theoretical classroom instruction to meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy.

Is a distance learning graduate program of five universities; George Mason University, Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech. CGEP offers qualified individuals the opportunity to earn a master's degree part time through onsite and televised graduate classes.