The Industrial Research Institute opened in 1945 as a division of the University of Chattanooga. Located on Baldwin Street (known today as Campus Drive) the facility contained offices and laboratories. An annex housing additional laboratories was completed in 1947. The Industrial Research Institute coordinated with the Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and Biology departments to assist in the training of research specialists. Additionally, it cooperated with industries in the development of new products, new and better uses for known materials, and in bringing about more efficient and economical manufacturing processes. Both private-sector industries and government agencies sponsored research projects at the institute. In 1960, the Industrial Research Institute consisted of two divisions--the Research Division and the Analytical Division. The Research Division closed in 1960, and the Analytical Division remained operational for several more years.

References

University of Chattanooga Board of Trustees minutes, 1960 June 6, pages 6-7. https://digital-collections.library.utc.edu/digital/collection/p16877coll25/id/1431/rec/52.

University of Chattanooga Bulletin, 1950-1951, pages 31-32. https://digital-collections.library.utc.edu/digital/collection/p16877coll15/id/5710/rec/1.