Planned Research

Based on broad scanning activities conducted each year inside and outside traditional areas of highway research inquiry, FHWA identifies exploratory advanced research topics that 1) involve discoveries in science of new technology that have the potential to lead to revolutionary change, 2) address significant current or anticipated issues in highway transportation, 3) can engage researchers and facilities with the capacity to solve complex problems that cut across or push the frontiers of traditional disciplines, and 4) would not move otherwise forward without FHWA funding.

The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) conducts research across a wide range of topics and disciplines. To supplement the expertise of the permanent staff, it is important to bring in researchers with the appropriate backgrounds to investigate specific problems at short-term basis. Through the Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program, FHWA utilizes the Resident Associates (or Postdoctoral Fellows) program of the National Research Council (NRC) for this purpose. The NRC provides a process for selecting candidates on a competitive merit basis and subsequently for administration of the Resident Fellows during their tenures at FHWA. [More]