Research is a vital component of the WERC program. WERC continually develops and transfers new and advanced technologies that provide unique and credible solutions for critical environmental problems.

One of the major goals of WERC is to conserve natural resources and provide economic benefits to the public. This goal is met through exploration and investigation accomplished in partnership with our academic institutions, national laboratories, the U.S. Department of Energy and industrial organizations. Achievement of this goal is aided by the disbursement of WERC Technology Development Grants. Technology development grants are intended to provide financial support for students and faculty, laboratory resources, supplies, materials, technical focus and other elements needed to educate students and assist faculty in exploring new and innovative techniques for addressing environmental management problems. Individuals eligible to participate as principal investigators include faculty and staff from the three university consortium members (NMIMT, NMSU, UNM) and Diné College. Employees of other organizations may participate in cooperation with university faculty members, but may not act as the principal investigator

Researchers at WERC’s partner institutions are also eligible for State Seed Grants, where a portion of state funds will be awarded to technology development projects. Roughly, 9 to 12 awards are given each fiscal year from these funds for projects that address a real need of industry, government or the nation.

Environmental researchers can also utilize WERC’s network of researchers at consortium educational institutions and learn more about WERC’s technology development projects.

For more information, contact:
Roseann Thompson, Program Manager
(575) 646-7854