KU receives $14.5 million in federal funding to support Transportation Research Institute

In July, KU received $14.5 million from the U.S. government to support and expand ongoing transportation-related research in such key areas as fuel cells, road and vehicle materials, air quality and aircraft.

The funding, acquired through the efforts of U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran and U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, will assist KU’s Transportation Research Institute in the School of Engineering.

“With this funding, the TRI will set the curve on transportation issues of the future,” said Stuart Bell, dean of the School of Engineering. “Its initiatives will focus on research and development of advanced vehicle technology and transportation system concepts.”

The TRI, formed in 2004, builds on established transportation research; already launched are projects in fuel cell and propulsion systems, environment and air quality, aircraft and materials, as well as highway, bridge and concrete research.