Strategic Alliances
Strategic relationships with other institutions of higher learning and sectors of society (K-12 school divisions, private business and industry, local, state or federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations) have gained attention as a mechanism for public and private institutions to meet pressing existing needs, take advantage of emerging opportunities with a minimum of resource investment, and deliver cost-effective and innovative public service programs. Higher education partnerships represent a tremendous variety of goals and interests and are a reflection of academia’s opportunity to become a visible national asset by playing a more tangible role in economic and national security causes through strategic alliances. Research and Public Service engages partners in a vast array of collaborative efforts, especially in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency; higher education teaching, research, and service; national, homeland, and human security; and science, technology, and biotechnology; with a distinct emphasis on university-driven economic and workforce development.
As defined in the 2007 National Energy Plan, 25x'25 is a goal for renewable energy and a goal for America, to get 25 percent of the nation's energy from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025. Increasing America's renewable energy use will bring new technologies to market, reduce the nation's dependence on oil from foreign sources, create new jobs in rural America, clean up the air and help reduce urban smog and greenhouse gas emissions. By leading the Virginia 25x'25 State Alliance and Valley 25x’25 Project, JMU has connected the national efforts of this organization to state and regional activities, while providing educational and research opportunities for faculty and students.
Chesapeake Crescent Initiative
The State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia comprise the Chesapeake Crescent Region, one of the most dynamic areas of the United States. The region holds an unrivaled concentration of government, academic, civic, business, military and political resources. CCI’s mission is to improve the region's global competitiveness and economic prosperity by advancing regional innovation and energy independence using new models of federal, state and local government, university and private sector collaboration. James Madison University joins eight other institutions of higher learning engaged in advancing the mission of the Chesapeake Crescent Initiative.
The Colonial Academic Alliance is the academic consortium that links the 12 colleges and universities of the Colonial Athletic Association in programs that improve the quality of teaching, learning and research for all. Founded in 2002 by the provosts of the institutions of the Colonial Athletic Association, membership includes: The University of Delaware, Drexel University, George Mason University, Georgia State University, Hofstra University, James Madison University, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Northeastern University, Old Dominion University, Towson University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and The College of William and Mary.
Critical Incident Analysis Group
Located within the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine, the Critical Incident Analysis Group (CIAG) is an interdisciplinary and inter-professional group of scholars and practitioners who work to understand the impact of "critical incidents" on people, communities and social structures. CIAG brings together physicians, social scientists, medical researchers, law enforcement specialists, policy makers, diplomats, philosophers, military leaders, historians, journalists, writers — and a host of others who are concerned about the profound impact of critical incidents.
Critical Infrastructure Protection Project
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Project (CIP Project) is a joint effort of James Madison University and George Mason University to develop a nationally recognized program that fully integrates the disciplines of law, policy, and technology for enhancing the security of cyber networks and economic processes supporting the nation's critical infrastructures. The CIP Project is funded by a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is an honorific society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. To keep pace with the growing roles that
science and technology would play in public life, the National Academy of Engineering was established under the NAS charter in 1964, and the Institute of Medicine followed in 1970.
The Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) is a public/private partnership providing marketing and business assistance for the Shenandoah Valley region. Through regional cooperation the SVP brings together business, government, and education leaders to promote new investment, strengthen existing business, and guide labor force development to ensure a healthy economic future for the region.
Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
The Shenandoah Valley Technology Council (SVTC) is a non-profit membership organization serving the greater Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Its members are creators and users of technology who gather together for education, networking and business development. By helping technology businesses in the area succeed and grow, the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council is an integral component of the region, helping to bring high-paying technology jobs to the Valley.
Southeastern Universities Research Association
Today, SURA consists of over 60 member universities and CEBAF is now known as the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURA continues to operate the Jefferson Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy through Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, a SURA/Computer Sciences Corporation joint venture. SURA's intramural research activities are collaborations with its member institutions, government agencies, and other researchers working to advance and exploit the transformative nature of information technology on the regional, national and international fronts, and facilitating a better understanding of coastal, ocean and environmental phenomena that plays a prominent role in our lives.
James Madison University has developed a unique collaboration with SRI International to enhance research and economic development opportunities within the Shenandoah Valley. SRI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute conducting client-sponsored research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, foundations, and other organizations. SRI also brings its innovations to the marketplace by licensing its intellectual property and creating new ventures and is well known for its legacy of innovations in communications and networks, computing, economic development and science and technology policy, education, energy and the environment, engineering systems, pharmaceuticals and health sciences, homeland security and national defense, and materials and structures.
Virginia Biotechnology Association (VaBio)
The purpose of the Association is to promote the bioscience industry in Virginia, expand the knowledge and expertise of Virginia’s businesses concerning the life sciences through seminars, educational publications and to enhance public awareness of the biotechnology industry in Virginia. VaBIO represents the interests of the bioscience industry in Virginia before federal, state and local legislators and regulators.
Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC)
Since July 2007, VCERC has developed coastal energy technologies and the Virginian knowledge base to assist the Commonwealth in meeting the targets set out in the VA Energy Plan. VCERC’s ongoing efforts impact three key VA Energy Plan objectives: creation of renewable energy resources, improving the environment, and economic development. VCERC provides the research and development required for the commercialization and implementation of renewable energy by using algal biomass, wind, and wave resources in Virginia to spin-off industry; create jobs, investment, and lower fuel prices in Virginia.
