Engineering researchers at Wichita State

Jan. 9, 2023 — Wichita State University has moved into the list of the top 20 universities in engineering research and development (R&D) expenditures, according to the latest data compiled by the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey.

Future Innovators interns at NIAR

Oct. 20, 2022 — The FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University wrapped up the second year of its Future Innovators Program, an engineering internship opportunity that provides some of America’s brightest engineers from historically under-represented communities the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and programs that directly support the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Center and the Department of Defense.

Screenshot from the winning hackathon video

Oct. 10, 2022 — A weekend of ample research and little sleep at Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) resulted in the selection of three NASA Space Apps Hackathon winners.

People at Solvay announcement

Oct. 5, 2022 — The Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research held a grand opening for customers and partners. The event featured the unveiling of Solvay’s Manufacturing Innovation Center within the facility.

people working on machinery

Sept. 2, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced today will award $51.4 million to Wichita State University to aid in the rapid development and adoption of emerging smart manufacturing technologies for South Kansas.

Airbus 321

Aug. 18, 2022 — At a media event and celebration today, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research WERX and Erickson Precision Ventures LLC announced their first collaborative passenger to freighter conversion program of an Airbus 321.

WSU and Army officials and Apache news conference

Aug. 8, 2022 — The U.S. Army Aviation enterprise is collaborating with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research to develop an AH-64 Apache Digital Twin in a contract that kicked off with a ribbon-cutting event on campus last week.

Image of Sarah Laffen at NIAR

June 20, 2022 -- Sarah Laffen is a aerospace engineering sophomore who utilizing her skills outside the classroom this summer as a student assistant at National Institute for Aviation Research.

Cameron Holston

June 8, 2022 - Cameron Holston works with a variety of aircraft at the Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center, part of the National Institute for Aviation Research. The experience prepares him for a career in the field of aerospace.

A DHL plane gets loaded with cargo.

May 25, 2022 — The WERX program at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Erickson Precision Ventures have reached an agreement to work cooperatively on modification, maintenance and engineering for various Boeing and Airbus aircraft.  

Image of wayfinding signs at Redbud Trail

May 13, 2022 — Wichita State University is working with a group of community organizations to make a popular pathway more welcoming and accessible to Wichita walkers and bikers.

A rendering of Fly Your Own Wheels Suites

April 7, 2022 — A team from Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research has received international recognition for a design that would allow WC19 certified manual and power wheelchairs to be used as a seat on board commercial airlines.

Matchmaking graphic

March 28, 2022 — The Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization at Wichita State University has launched a program designed to connect experienced entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs with cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to commercialize them.

A Blackhawk helicopter arrives at Wichita State University.

Dec. 7, 2021 — Since its inception, the National Institute for Aviation Research’s digital twin program has been rife with opportunities to progress research, digital transformation, engineering technology and sustainability efforts. It’s also been an important career steppingstone and training ground for more than 250 Wichita State University students, who have gained valuable applied learning experiences while working on the project.

NAIR WERX

Nov. 4, 2021 - A $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce will help Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) purchase tools and supplies to support Flight Test Research Center and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at NIAR WERX.