Applied Research

From the molecular to the global, we work to solve problems, bridge differences, and dissolve doubt.

The FedEx Institute of Technology is the engine driving innovation at the University of Memphis. We support groundbreaking interdisciplinary Research & Innovation Clusters, bringing together leading researchers to tackle critical challenges in technology, national security, healthcare, and beyond. These clusters foster collaboration—securing research funding, developing industry partnerships, and creating training programs that benefit our communities and corporate partners.

Our research spans a vast spectrum of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, biologistics, robotics, blockchain, quantum computing, and immersive environments. Through our Research Centers & Initiatives, we provide dedicated resources to accelerate discoveries that shape the future.

At the FedEx Institute of Technology, we don’t just explore the frontiers of knowledge—we transform them into real-world impact.

RESEARCH CLUSTERS

Additive Manufacturing
This cluster focuses on advanced 3D printing technology and modern manufacturing, enabling unprecedented precision, efficiency, and flexibility.

Agriculture & Food Technologies
With the world population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, this cluster tackles critical food supply and environmental challenges through research and innovation to improve efficiency and sustainability in food production.

AI GPU
NSF-funded cluster with 928 AMD CPU cores and 88 NVIDIA GPU cards (5000 Ada, 6000 Ada, H100) across 11 nodes, supported by 233 TB SSD and 1.32 PB HDD storage, supporting computational needs and educational programs for 10+ regional institutions and industry partners.

Biologistics
Faculty from Engineering, Marketing & Supply Chain, Biomedical Sciences, and the Intermodal Freight Transportation Institute (IFTI) collaborate on research projects to develop innovative biologistics solutions.

Cyber Security & Testing (CAST)
This cluster brings together experts from diverse fields to provide proactive leadership in addressing evolving cybersecurity threats and testing challenges.

Data Science
The Data Science Research Initiative fosters a dynamic research environment and builds a community of practice that connects academia, government, and industry across West Tennessee, the Mid-South, and beyond.

Drones, RObotics, & Navigation Enabled Systems (DRONES)
Focused on drones, robotics, and autonomous navigation, this cluster drives research, corporate partnerships, and community engagement in emerging navigation technologies.

Electric Vehicles
As electric vehicles shape the future of transportation, researchers across UofM are tackling infrastructure and adoption challenges to support this transformation.

ENDEAVOR
This cluster explores innovation in energy, defense, and AgriTech, driving sustainable modernization and technological advancements.

Environmental Humanities
Integrating humanities and sciences, this cluster examines climate change, sustainability, and human-environment interactions, fostering interdisciplinary research and education.

Next Generation Supply Chain
Researchers and industry partners driving innovation in next-generation supply chain technologies. Covering a wide range of topics—from semiconductor supply chains to AI applications—these collaborative projects position Memphis at the forefront of the national supply chain conversation.

SMARTCities
In partnership with the City of Memphis, this cluster leverages emerging technologies to address urban challenges and enhance the quality of life for Memphis citizens.

RESEARCH CENTERS & INITIATIVES

Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER)
Simply put, CAESER builds smarter, stronger communities. We work with local, regional, and international communities; with particular focus on urban analytics, water resources, disaster resilience, GIS data, and education/outreach in these areas.

Center for Biodiversity Research (CBio)
CBio advances biodiversity research across molecular, ecological, and global scales. By fostering collaboration and graduate training, the center enhances research impact in genetics, conservation, urban environments, and the evolving relationship between humans and biodiversity.

Center for Electrified and Automated Trucking (CEAT)
Sponsored by the NSF, CEAT leads advancements in electric and autonomous vehicle technologies for the freight and transit sectors. Bringing together academia and industry, the center addresses electrification, automation, and workforce development in trucking.

Center for Information Assurance (CfIA)
The Center for Information Assurance is a nationally designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research. Their research focuses on negative authentication, adaption multi-factor authentication, smart-grid security, and game theory applications in cyber security.

Center for Regional Economic Enrichment (CREE)
CREE enhances economic, educational, and environmental well-being in West Tennessee and the Delta. Through professional development and degree completion programs, CREE empowers individuals to advance their careers and strengthen regional communities.

Center for Smart Biomaterials
Develops implantable materials for targeted, clinician-controlled local drug delivery using external signals.

Center for Transportation Innovations, Education, and Research (C-TIER)
C-TIER drives interdisciplinary research, workforce training, and industry collaboration to improve transportation efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The center develops standards to reduce congestion and ensure future-ready infrastructure.

iIMPACT
A collaborative, cross-disciplinary initiative transforming community engagement and research to promote a culture of health for children and families.

Mobile Data 2 Knowledge (MD2K)
The MD2K Center brings together the top brains in Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Behavioral Science, and Statistics to help develop innovative tools to make it easier to gather, analyze and interpret health data generated by mobile and wearable sensors.

mDOT Center
The mHealth Center for Discovery, Optimization & Translation of Temporally-Precise Interventions (the mDOT Center) provides the methods, tools, and infrastructure for researchers to discover, optimize and deploy temporally-precise mHealth interventions to address growing public health problems.

The Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research and Education (ACRE)
ACRE connects businesses, farmers, and community organizations to drive agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Tennessee. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative research, ACRE advances conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

FEDERAL DEFENSE CENTERS & COLLABORATIONS

Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative
The ADL Initiative, a long-standing collaboration with the Department of Defense, advances research in learning systems, intelligent tutoring, usability analysis, and computational linguistics to enhance technology-driven education.

Institute for National Defense Sciences (MINDS)
MINDS supports research aligned with national security objectives, partnering with the Department of Defense and federal agencies to develop advanced defense capabilities through innovation and agile research approaches.

Systems Testing Excellence Program (STEP)
STEP, housed within the FedEx Institute of Technology, advances research in software testing. Partnering with the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, STEP offers world-class training, certifications, and an international forum for testing expertise.