Whether you’re a professor needing funding or a research firm wanting to bid on a project — here’s what to expect in the research process funded by MoDOT.

STEP 1: CALL FOR IDEAS

Research ideas are collected through several channels – Including the MCTI website and email newsletter, as well as MoDOT research days.

STEP 2: EVALUATION

Ideas are discussed by Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), which are formed by MCTI and MoDOT. TAGs focus on research gaps, pointing out existing research to avoid redundancies and combining similar ideas.

TAG chairpersons also strongly emphasize collaboration and fairness, giving all stakeholders an equal voice in discussion.

STEP 3: PRIORITIZATION AND SELECTION OF RESEARCH

MoDOT prioritizes and selects research ideas that will become MoDOT projects.

STEP 4: PROPOSAL REVIEW AND SELECTION

This is done by MoDOT subject matter experts with FHWA input.

STEP 5: CONTRACTING

MoDOT and MCTI will draft the contract and get it signed by all parties.

STEP 6: PERFORMANCE OF RESEARCH

Technical Research Panels (TRPs) will be formed to help guide the research project, and MCTI will administer the project.

TRPs can consist of faculty, MoDOT, FHWA and other transportation agency officials, research experts from the transportation engineering community, and other industry experts.

TRPs also often include active and interested TAG members who are knowledgeable and committed to guiding the research idea into fruition.

STEP 7: FINAL REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION

This step is performed by MoDOT and the TRP.

STEP 8: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Research reports and related journal papers will be shared on the MCTI website. This opens up research to be presented to national and international audiences, via FHWA conferences and more.

MCTI also fosters and supports other technology transfer avenues, such as promotion of our researchers and their findings at conferences, symposia and through state and national webinars.

Have an idea?

Submit a Research Idea