ERAU Research Center Takes Off with Boeing Donation
The Boeing Company has provided Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a $5.1 million donation for a research center that will drive safety improvements throughout the industry, according to a media release from the Daytona Beach school.
The newly named Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle, charged with advancing the safety of all who fly, will conduct independent research aimed at mitigating known and emerging operational safety risks.
“By its nature, aviation is self-correcting in that we must continuously apply lessons learned to keep all who fly as safe as possible,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, in the release. “The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle will provide an infrastructure for systematically investigating and reducing safety risks, from technological challenges to human factors. We are grateful to Boeing for supporting independent research in this field.”
The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle will be housed in a 13,000-square-foot building on Embry-Riddle’s main campus in Daytona Beach that is currently under renovation. This building, which is expected to open in January 2024, will feature offices and lab space as well as a dedicated classroom for safety-related professional education courses, the release states.
“We continuously work to move the needle in strengthening the safety of the air transportation system,” said Michael Delaney, Boeing chief aerospace safety officer, in the release. “We’re pleased to be a part of the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle, because the best solutions to the important challenges our industry faces come to life when we work together with our partners.”
The center will foster collaboration across academia, industry and government entities, establishing research partnerships — involving graduate and undergraduate students who will gain real-world exposure to the industry through hands-on research projects — that will benefit all who depend on air transportation.
The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle is the latest development in Boeing’s partnership with the university. Other examples include Embry-Riddle’s participation in Boeing’s Engineering Accelerated Hiring Initiative as well as the Boeing Career Mentoring Program; the Boeing Scholars program; a Boeing program to serve ROTC graduates; and internships through an Engineering Development Program.
