NCAT honored with 2026 Center of Excellence Award

As the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) celebrates 40 years of advancing asphalt pavement research, Auburn University’s largest research center has another milestone to celebrate.

NCAT has been named the 2026 recipient of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Center of Excellence Award. The award recognizes a research center that exemplifies excellence in research, engagement and impact, as well as its contributions to advancing knowledge and strengthening collaboration across the engineering community.

Established in 1986, NCAT has grown from a small research operation into a globally recognized leader in asphalt pavement research, technology implementation and workforce development. Today, its work reaches transportation agencies and industry partners across the country and helps move new pavement technologies from research into practice.

“Receiving the Center of Excellence Award during our 40th anniversary makes this recognition especially meaningful,” said Randy West, NCAT director. “It reflects the dedication of our entire team and the strong partnerships that have allowed NCAT to turn research into practical solutions for the asphalt pavement community.”

That reach has continued to grow. Over the past decade, NCAT’s clients have included 33 state departments of transportation, 60 private-sector businesses and three federal agencies. In 2025 alone, researchers completed 21 major studies and initiated 15 new research contracts.

NCAT’s impact also extends beyond research. Since 1989, more than 130 graduate students have developed their expertise through the center, with another 33 graduate and undergraduate students currently involved in its research program. In 2025, NCAT also provided training to 1,155 professionals representing more than 30 states and four countries.

The recognition adds to a momentous year for NCAT while pointing toward the road ahead. The center currently manages more than $36 million in active research projects and continues to expand into emerging areas of pavement research.

“Forty years after NCAT was founded, our mission remains focused on solving the challenges facing the pavement community,” West said. “We’re grateful to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering for this recognition and excited to continue building on that work.”

Established in 1986 through a partnership between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT addresses the nation’s pavement infrastructure needs through practical research, technology development and education. The center’s work supports state departments of transportation, industry partners and agencies nationwide in advancing safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements. 

For more information about NCAT and its research initiatives, visit ncat.us.