Florida Tech Joins in University Partnership to Expand Space Research

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Three Florida universities have signed an agreement to cooperate on space research and technology programs, including the creation of a
joint institute to coordinate their activities.
Florida Institute of Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Florida State University will combine their capabilities to pursue emerging
research, technology development, and educational opportunities associated with government and commercial space and aerospace initiatives. The universities
signed the agreement on October 5 in Orlando.
“This is a winning partnership of public and private institutions, building on the strengths of some of the top space-related research and education
programs in the United States. With Florida Tech’s roots planted deeply in the U.S. Space program, we welcome a collaboration that will further this
mission,” said Frank Kinney, vice provost for research, Florida Institute of Technology.
Dr. Rodney Piercey, dean of Embry-Riddle’s College of Arts and Sciences, said, “FSU, Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle each have unique aerospace-related
capabilities. Our partnership on space programs can do much to expand and diversify Florida’s role in the industry.”
The collaboration is timely, according to Kirby Kemper, vice president for research at Florida State University. He said, “The future of our country’s
aerospace industry depends on a better-trained, domestically produced workforce of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. With stronger
ties to the space industry, Florida’s research universities can strengthen their graduate training in these fields and their research capabilities, as
well.”
The partnership is open to participation by other universities and work will continue to develop more collaborative programs with government agencies like
NASA and Space Florida, as well as with commercial aerospace firms.
For program information, contact Frank Kinney, Florida Tech vice provost for research, at (321) 674-8961 or at fkinney@fit.edu. The Embry Riddle contact is
John Olivero at (386) 226-6453 or oliveroj@erau.edu; at Florida State it is Kirby Kemper at (850) 644-8337 or kkemper@research.fsu.edu.