Institute for Physical Research and Technology

The Institute for Physical Research and Technology, also known as IPRT, is a network of scientific research centers at Iowa State University.

Director:  George Kraus

Center for Building Energy Research

Focuses on efficient and renewable energy issues related to buildings, developing technologies to reduce energy consumption while maintaining performance and productivity.

Director: Michael Pate
Joined IPRT: 2005

Virtual Reality Applications Center

Applies virtual reality technology to the challenges of science and engineering.

Director: James Oliver
Joined IPRT: 1990

Center for Catalysis

Dedicated to the development of useful, practical catalysts and sustainable green chemistry methods. Scientists investigate the application of catalysis and green chemistry methods to agricultural, industrial and environmental science.

Director: Victor Lin
Joined IPRT: 2002

Microelectronics Research Center

Develops advanced materials, devices and process technologies in the fields of semiconductors, photonics and solar energy conversion and provides educational laboratories in these technologies for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Director: Vik Dalal
Joined IPRT: 1984 (predates IPRT)

Catron Center for Solar Energy Research

Supports research on solar energy technologies that can address national energy needs. The Catron center is administered by IPRT's Microelectronics Research Center.

Director: Vik Dalal
Joined IPRT: 2005

Center for Nondestructive Evaluation

Develops noninvasive methods and instruments for assessing the integrity of structures and materials.

Director: Bruce Thompson
Joined IPRT: 1984 (predates IPRT)

Airworthiness Assurance Center for Excellence

Identifies and provides solutions for national aircraft safety problems with a focus on inspection and maintenance issues. Major efforts include the Center for Aviation Systems Reliability and the Engine Titanium Consortium.

Director: Lisa Brasche
Joined IPRT: 1997

Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies

Develops and demonstrates renewable energy and chemical technologies and environmental technologies related to fossil fuels.

Director: Robert Brown
Joined IPRT: 1979 (predates IPRT)

Materials Preparation Center

Prepares high-purity metals, alloys and compounds in single and polycrystalline forms for research and engineering uses.

MPC is also a center of the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Ames Laboratory.

Director: Larry Jones
Joined IPRT: 1981 (predates IPRT)

Center for Physical and Computational Mathematics

Researches high-performance computing via cluster computing and parallel computing strategies.

Director: Bruce Harmon
Joined IPRT: 1987

Midwest Forensics Resource Center

Partners with local, state and federal agencies to address regional forensics needs for training, research, casework, and education.

MFRC is also a center of the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Ames Laboratory.

Director: David Baldwin
Joined IPRT: 2002