The Texas Transportation Institute is pursuing a number of initiatives. One of those, which is highlighted in this issue of the Researcher, involves identifying whether there is an appropriate and meaningful role for TTI in conducting international research and, if so, effectively developing that role.
For a variety of reasons, this appears to be a good time to explore such an opportunity. The A&M System has a number of initiatives going on in the international arena, including having a campus in Qatar. We are frequently contacted by our international counterparts as they seek information and try to identify and implement the state of the art. The breadth and depth of TTI’s capabilities make us an attractive point of contact. Serving in such a role is consistent with our mission, and we have many staff members with the expertise and interest to be involved in international activities.
In an effort coordinated by TTI Associate Director Ed Seymour, TTI is reaching across the oceans to share our research with the world. We are learning and collaborating with the best transportation experts from other continents and countries. As we extend the hand of friendship to new colleagues worldwide, we also further goals that transcend borders—safer transportation, improved infrastructure, better mobility, improved air quality and greater value for every transportation dollar spent.
We marked 2007 with an international research initiative and set a goal of sustaining a program of international research of at least $1 million per year by 2010. With leadership from Ed and the diverse array of researchers on TTI’s International Initiatives Team, we know that the partnerships we form today create the international transportation progress necessary for tomorrow.
Paraguay, China, India, Mexico, Qatar, Argentina, France, the United Kingdom—these are just a few of the places you can find TTI involvement worldwide. And we will continue to seek other friendships, partnerships and opportunities around the globe.
