Centennial Research Facility

Modern forest products research necessitates a highly technical approach. Our scientists and technical staff work in a wide range of science areas including researching and evaluating safe, durable, and energy-efficient housing; developing high quality products from undervalued materials; and producing biobased energy to reduce America's dependence on oil and offset the effects of global climate change.

Many innovative research efforts now begin in our new Centennial Research Facility (CRF). The CRF houses the following four units:

• Building and Fire Sciences 
• Durability and Wood Protection 
• Engineered Composites 
• Sciences Engineering 
• Mechanics and Remote Sensing Laboratory

The details of equipment, capabilities, and research emphasis areas are outlined here.

The Forest Products Laboratory has often entered into cooperative agreements with industry partners. Conducting collaborative research allows for leveraging equipment, expertise, and funding to achieve common goals. Expanded authority from the Federal government now allows for rental of Federal research space and equipment.

Cooperative partners can also now sell limited quantities of prototype materials developed for market-testing purposes, whereas in the past regulations required that pilot-test materials be destroyed.

With these new authorities, we anticipate strong interest from many potential partners. Using our extensive facilities and collective expertise to cooperatively develop or refine pilot-scale materials and processes is the central intent behind this expanded authority. We invite you to contact us regarding partnership opportunities and to tour our new facilities.