UA, AU receive grants from ADECA for research, development projects

The University of Alabama (UA) and Auburn University (AU), as well as HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, have received grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for various research and development projects. 

Projects involve increasing agriculture production, reducing pollution, building "more resilient" infrastructure and improving wireless communications, said a recent statement from ADECA.

“Researchers at these institutions have a track record of forging innovations that improve people’s lives in Alabama and beyond,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Their far-reaching research impacts everything from the next wave of technology to the conservation of our forests. I am proud to support this important and pioneering work through these grant awards.”

AU received: 

• $107,388 to study ways to reduce ammonia emissions from poultry production, and 
• $125,925 to study advanced methods of information exchange for wireless technology

UA received: 

• $500,000 to find ways to remove microplastics and other pollutants from textile manufacturing
• $75,000 to develop high-strength concrete optimized for infrastructure
• $65,000 to develop ultra-high-performance concrete to use in coastal areas
• $300,000 for a research study on safely extracting critical minerals from hazardous dust that is a byproduct of steel production
• $399,214 for a research study on using artificial intelligence to design new methods for water treatment and handling waste created during the 3D printing process, and 
• $880,743 for a study focused on innovating the systems involved in the production, processing and distribution of food

“These projects have the potential to create significant advances that will have a positive effect on many lives,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Kay Ivey in support of these cutting-edge efforts.”