The Center’s focus is to solve real-world problems through multi-disciplinary research collaborations within the University’s increasingly talented applied and basic research units. The Applied Research Center will be uniquely structured and staffed to allow for free-flowing exchange of ideas between the University’s applied researchers, academia, government, private sector and industry partners. The Center’s vision is to be the leading international university-based applied research institution providing value-driven, real-world solutions, which will enable Florida International University to acquire, manage, and execute educationally relevant and economically sound research programs. That vision is based on the Center’s core values of respect for the environment, health and safety of all individuals, creativity and innovation, service excellence, and leadership and accountability. The Center’s mission is to solve complex issues in environmental stewardship, energy security, and defense technology through innovative cooperative research and entrepreneurship. In carrying out this mission, the Applied Research Center is committed to providing training opportunities to the University’s uniquely diverse student body under the mentorship of the Center’s internationally recognized engineers and scientists.