This fall, the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) recognizes 50 years of hard work and service, and they have a lot to celebrate.

According to a recent press release, UDRI was founded in 1956, although funded research started in 1949. The research began locally with a request for research assistance from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, who came to the Marianist brothers at UD asking for help from math professors for a project they were working on.

One project soon turned into 20, and 20 turned into more than 300,000, according to a press release. UDRI's revenue has also grown from the modest $10, 200 in 1946 to an estimated $70 million. The institute of research has taken on numerous projects varying from 'phase change' materials to tested armor to protect troops and their equipment.

Scientists and engineers at UDRI are currently working to develop alternative energy sources that will limit the United States' dependence on foreign oil. Other projects include better armor for America's troops, technologies to aid in access to space, and Web sites and tools to make it easier for people who are blind to navigate the Internet.

John Leland, the director of UDRI, says proposals are continuing to come in. A large proposal involving companies across Ohio is expected in December, he said.

Leland has been director for six years, but worked for the university's direct technology department before that. As director, Leland is not involved in the institute, but rather he makes sure 'everything is running smoothly.'

In spite of not being directly involved in the work, he has big goals for UDRI's future. Leland would like for the institute to be more internationally known, conducting research for global organizations. He would also like to see more diversity in research projects, exploring new areas.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, UDRI hosted a technical symposium Sept. 13 and 14. Topics at the symposium included projected needs and developments in technology over the next 20 years and recent advances in nanotechnology.

According to UDRI's Web site, there are offices and laboraties that make up UDRI in three buildings on campus: Caldwell Street Center, Kettering Laboratories and Shroyer Park Center.

There are also employees from UDRI on-site at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, and Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia.

UDRI employs undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of positions. Students can work with UDRI as part of a thesis project.

For more information about UDRI, visit http://www.udri.udayton.edu.