NCAT named Center of Excellence

In September, the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University was named the 2026 recipient of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Center of Excellence Award.

The recognition, which identifies research centers that exemplify excellence in research, engagement and impact, comes as NCAT celebrates 40 years since its founding in 1986.

Over the summer, NAPA President & CEO Audrey Copeland penned a letter of support on behalf of NCAT.

“NCAT’s sustained growth over nearly four decades demonstrates the durability, relevance, and practical value of its work. Its ability to align university research with the needs of public agencies and industry makes it a clear example of the sustained, high-impact excellence the Center of Excellence Award is intended to recognize, and NAPA is proud to offer its full support for this nomination.”

“Receiving the Center of Excellence Award during our 40th anniversary makes this recognition especially meaningful,” NCAT Director Randy West said. “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.”

Established in 1986 through a partnership between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT has grown from a small research operation into a globally recognized leader in asphalt pavement research, technology implementation and workforce development.

Today, NCAT’s work reaches transportation agencies and industry partners across the country and helps move new pavement technologies from research into practice.

“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.”

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.

In the past decade, NCAT has partnered with

• 33 state departments of transportation,
• 60 private-sector businesses, &
• 3 federal agencies.

In 2025 alone, researchers completed

• 21 major studies, initiated
• 15 new research contracts, and provided training to
• 1,155 professionals across
• 30 states and
• 4 countries.

The center currently manages more than $36 million in active research projects and continues to expand into emerging areas of pavement research.