Join the NWI Consortium

nonwoven_inst-35NWI’s research consortium serves the nonwovens industry through both fundamental research and an active program of technology transfer. NWI research aims to craft enabling technologies that support strategic R&D efforts by member companies to forge next-generation fiber-based materials and products. At the end of this value-added research pipeline are revolutionary and often life-enhancing products for both industrial and consumer marketplaces. NWI support has, for example, helped spur the creation of technology-rich filtration systems for purifying air, blood, and water. The results of the consortium’s research are considered proprietary to the organization and its member companies.

Member companies are represented on the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) and vote on the selection of new projects annually.  The IAB elects a nine (9) member board of directors who serve on the Executive Committee of the IAB.  The Executive Committee meets regularly with the NWI leadership team and provides guidance to the NWI leadership team in terms of policy decisions, strategic planning, etc.  NWI also has a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) elected by the IAB who provides guidance to the NWI leadership team and the IAB with respect to the research portfolio and priorities in terms of research direction and research infrastructure.

Membership Levels

Membership levels depend on companies’ gross sales.  Various levels are listed below.  Large companies must select from Full Member II or Full Member I.  Smaller companies can choose to be an Affiliate Member or a Full Member at either I or II by paying the appropriate membership dues.

  • Full Member I: 
    • Large companies – sales over $25 million
    • $ 60,000 per year
    • 60 Points for voting on selecting new research projects
    • Selects core project (one project every 3 years) – can submit a project – results are shared as with all Members
    • Minimum 3-year Commitment
    • Unlimited access to labs at members’ rate

    Full Member II:

    • Large companies – sales over $25 million
    • $ 30,000 per year
    • 30 Points for voting on selecting new research projects
    • Unlimited access to labs at members’ rate
  • Affiliate Member:
    • Sales < $25 MM per year
    • $ 12,000 per year
    • 12 Points for voting
    • Limited access to labs at members’ rate
  • Startup Member:
    • $6000 per year
    • Requires NWI Executive Committee approval
    • An application must be made within 3 years of incorporation
    • Membership in this category is limited to 2 years
    • 6 Points for voting
    • No intellectual property rights or other member benefits
    • Limited access to labs at members’ rate
Dues will increase effective at the completion of current membership contracts, and at the start of new membership contracts not already in the queue.

 

Research topics are suggested by member companies – today, NWI has 5 pillars (defined by the SAB).  These are:

  • Materials and Materials Characterization
    • what to use, and how to analyze
  • Polymer Processing & Extrusion
    • how to make
  • Engineered Structures
    • what to make
  • Micro and Macro Modeling
    • structure-property-process modeling, performance modeling, etc…
  • Health, Safety, and Sustainability
The research carried out as part of the NWI consortium is basic and fundamental and focused on the development of know-how as opposed to product development.
The knowledge creation has to be truly focused on knowledge creation and no more. In a shared environment of many diverse sets of interests, we have to focus on basic and fundamental (yet relevant) research that is focused on identifying solutions to specific knowledge gaps – while this may be a piece of the big picture, it can empower our member companies to use such knowledge to innovate and perhaps create the next generation of innovative products that perhaps they could not have done alone. The experiential learning to which our students get exposed prepares them for the corporate (real) world; they are learning the secrets of problem-solving and how to breakdown a major problem into manageable pieces, formulating solutions that are based on science and engineering principles. The training and mentoring offered by our corporate members over the 3 to 4 years they spend with us as a Ph.D. student prepares them beyond any university education alone would offer. In our short history, we have some 150 PhDs trained at the Institute who are leaders in various industry segments we serve. This is unique and unprecedented.
Collaborative Governance

Research programs are developed jointly by the NWI’s faculty, staff, and Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), a priority-setting panel of government and business leaders who have a stake in the NWI’s continued success. Representatives of NWI member companies have an equal voice in IAB proceedings. Meeting at least twice per year, the IAB offers feedback and guidance that align the NWI’s research functions with the immediate and longer-range needs of the nonwovens industry.

The IAB is a forum for a candid discussion of the economic and scientific significance of NWI’s current and prospective research initiatives. Equally important is the IAB’s role in monitoring the Center’s operations and making any updates needed to its Bylaws. The Board sets membership qualifications, for example, and actively participates in the recruitment of new members. The IAB also is a venue in which student and faculty researchers can remain apprised of emerging challenges and opportunities facing the nonwovens industry.

NWI Bylaws – November 2017

NWI IAB Approved Policies – November 2017

NWI Membership Agreement Template – November 2017

NWI PI Responsibilities Acknowledgment – May 2017

Why join NWI?

Members enjoy a number of benefits from participating in NWI as a member.  These are:
  • Research Cost Avoidance & Research Amplification
    Access to core research programs
    Access to students, faculty, and staff
    Voting rights to determine the research agenda
    Members get access to more than 50 research projects
  • Technology Transfer
    Option to any IP developed through core research programs
    Access to online research archives
    Training programs at a discount
    Free online course materials
  • Service/Economic Development
    Product development & analytical services at a discount
  • Networking
    New members showcase at IAB
    Marketing on NWI website
    Industrial networking at the semi-annual meeting
    Networking with various faculty, students and staff

For details about membership categories and the benefits of membership, please send an email to nonwovens@ncsu.edu.