Research

Overview

Summary Diagram

Sources of Research Funding	BASIC RESEARCH Exploratory; results applicable in transportation, but not always oriented to everyday practitioner use; foundation for developing practical tools. Filling Knowledge Gaps	APPLIED RESEARCH Helps practitioners translate basic research into innovative solutions to problems; includes guidance documents, best practices summaries, analytic tools, etc. Using Knowledge to Shape Tools/Policy	IMMEDIATE RESEARCH Quick turnaround; often serves pressing policy needs, or summarizes results of other research. Responding to Critical Issues
TRB Research
AASHTO/NCHRP Quick Response Funding AASHTO/NCHRP Quick Response Funding 25-25 (SCOE), 8-36 (SCOP), 20-64 (SCOPT), 20-7 (SCOH), 20-24 (CEOs). Projects are smaller than the typical NCHRP project and typically require quicker turn-around. Funding for a single project usually does not exceed $100,000, and the duration of these research projects is usually less than 12 months. SCOE, SCOP, SCOE, CEO ideas due September. SCOPT ideas due July. Accessibility to SCOE: **** Project size: less than $100k Project timeframe: less than 1 yr Web link: www.trb.org/crp/
IDEA Program IDEA Program Funds research into promising but unproven innovations for highways, transportation safety, and transit. Ideas due in March or September. Accessibility to SCOE: * Project size: ? Project timeframe: ? Web link: http://www.trb.org/
NCHRP Domestic & International Scans NCHRP Domestic & International Scans NCHRP 20- 36 funds international information sharing and technology exchanges through dissemination of successful practices from around the globe. Accessibility to SCOE: ** Project size: $150k Project timeframe:1 yr Weblink: https://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=579
NCHRP Legal Research Digest NCHRP Legal Research Digest Preliminary reports to provide early awareness and encourage application of research results emanating from the continuing NCHRP Project, Legal Problems Arising Out of Highway Programs. Accessibility to SCOE: *** Project size: less than $50k Project timeframe: less than 1 yr Web link: http://www.trb.org/
NCHRP Program NCHRP Program Annual program of research voluntarily funded by State DOTs from State Planning and Research (SPR) funds. Projects selected by Standing Committee on Research. Ideas September 15. Accessibility to SCOE: *** Project size: $200k to $1 million Project timeline: 18 mths-3 years Web link: NCHRP Program
NCHRP Synthesis Topics NCHRP Synthesis Topics Brief reports on current knowledge and practice, without the detailed directions usually found in handbooks or design manuals. About 12 Synthesis reports are produced each year. The deadline for Synthesis topics is February. Accessibility to SCOE: **** Project size: less than $50k Project timeframe: less than 1 yr Web link: www.trb.org/Studies/Synthesis/Syntheses.asp Note: Synthesis projects are also in place for airports, transit, and commercial truck and bus safety.
Other TRB Cooperative Programs Other TRB Cooperative Programs Airport Cooperative Research Program, Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program, National Freight Cooperative Research Program, Transit Cooperative Research Program, Similar to NCHRP program. Accessibility to SCOE: ** Project size: $150k to $500k Project timeframe: 1-4 yrs Web link: http://www.trb.org/
SHRP 2 Program SHRP 2 Program SHRP 2 is a 4-year, $209M program of strategic highway research. Environmental research is included as part of the "Capacity" element of SHRP 2. A program of projects has already been set. Accessibility to SCOE: * Project size: $1 million Project timeframe: 1-5 yrs Web link: http://www.trb.org/shrp2/
TRB Special Studies TRB Special Studies Occasional, Congressionally mandated/other policy studies conducted by TRB on transportation issues of national significance; undergo extensive review process. Accessibility to SCOE:* Project size: $500k+ Project timeline: 2 yrs+ Web link: http://www.trb.org/
Federal Research
FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research Program FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research Program New, exploratory advanced research program in development. Seeks to transfer breakthrough technologies into the transportation sector. Accessibility to SCOE: **? Project timeframe: ? Web link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/crt/
FHWA "STEP" Program FHWA "STEP" Program Section 5207 of SAFETEA-LU established the SurfaceTransportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) with annual funding of about $11.7M. Stakeholders may provide suggestions to FHWA about STEP priorities via the Federal Register. Accessibility to SCOE: *** Project size: $50k to $450k Project timeframe: 1-2 yrs Web link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/
Pooled Fund Program Pooled Fund Program FHWA’s Transportation Pooled Fund Program allows federal, state, and local agencies and other organizations to combine resources to support transportation research studies. No due date for ideas. Accessibility to SCOE: ** Project size: $500k to $1 million Project timeframe:1-4 yrs Web link: http://www.pooledfund.org/
SHRP 2 Program SHRP 2 Program SHRP 2 is a 4-year, $209M program of strategic highway research. Environmental research is included as part of the “Capacity” element of SHRP 2. A program of projects has already been set. Accessibility to SCOE: * Project size: $1 million Project timeframe: 1-5 yrs Web link: http://www.trb.org/shrp2/
State Research
AASHTO/NCHRP Quick Response Funding AASHTO/NCHRP Quick Response Funding 25-25 (SCOE), 8-36 (SCOP), 20-64 (SCOPT), 20-7 (SCOH), 20-24 (CEOs). Projects are smaller than the typical NCHRP project and typically require quicker turn-around. Funding for a single project usually does not exceed $100,000, and the duration of these research projects is usually less than 12 months. SCOE, SCOP, SCOE, CEO ideas due September. SCOPT ideas due July. Accessibility to SCOE: **** Project size: less than $100k Project timeframe: less than 1 yr Web link: www.trb.org/crp/
Pooled Fund Program Pooled Fund Program FHWA’s Transportation Pooled Fund Program allows federal, state, and local agencies and other organizations to combine resources to support transportation research studies. No due date for ideas. Accessibility to SCOE: ** Project size: $500k to $1 million Project timeframe: 1-4 yrs Web link: http://www.pooledfund.org/
State DOT's Research Program State DOT's Research Program Each DOT has its own research office and program. Accessibility to SCOE **** Project size: Mostly $50k to $200k Project timeframe:1-3 yrs Web link: https://research.transportation.org/state-dot-research/
State Research
University Research Programs University Research Programs 60 federally designated University Transportation Centers nationwide; work closely with state DOTs & others on diverse array of research projects. Accessibility to SCOE: *** Project size: $50k to $1 million Project timeframe:1-5 yrs Web link: http://utc.dot.gov/

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Research

Overview

Summary Diagram

Sources of Research Funding