DRISI FY 2022/2023 Caltrans' Research Program Highlights Report
The Division of Research, Innovation, and System Information's (DRISI) online Research Program Highlights website allows easy access for viewing quarterly content updates. This dynamic website provides an overview of DRISI’s yearly activities and can be used to inform Caltrans, the California State Transportation Agency, our partners, the State’s local agencies, academia, and other partners and stakeholders. Like most organizations, DRISI is always looking for ways to improve communication, transparency, and accountability. Research continues to be a necessary part of our organizational efficiency and effectiveness. At its core, the research process is about collaborating, connecting, learning, and communicating. This website highlights a wide variety of research projects supporting Caltrans’ mission and goals.
Division Chief Message
I am pleased to present the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Research, Innovation and System Information’s (DRISI) Annual Research Program Highlights. This report covers the 12-month period ending June 30, 2021, during which DRISI’s research program provided transportation solutions that addressed our customers’ needs and challenges. I like to think about DRISI as the Caltrans solutions lab or innovative think tank whereby we support the enterprise needs and strategic priorities.
Thank you to our dedicated DRISI staff, Caltrans programs and districts, and the Research and Deployment Advisory Committee (RDAC) who made this report possible.
This report highlights many of our 196 active research projects supporting Caltrans’ mission to provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment. Additional information about specific projects highlighted within these pages can be obtained by contacting any of the research staff identified in this report. For more information on our research efforts, visit DRISI’s website. I encourage you to browse the Research Notes and Research Results to find updates on topics of interest to you. Research Notes provide an overview of research in progress, while Research Results summarize completed research. Research Notes and Research Results have been written to make it easy for all to understand research.
There are multiple avenues for research to be conducted at the state or national level. I hope that as you read this Research Program Highlights report, you’re motivated to become involved in Caltrans’ research activities. Please contact DRISI staff if you have questions on the research process.
Research Spotlights
The Research Spotlights section serves as a focal point within the report, shedding light on key findings, innovative methodologies, and significant contributions made during the research process.
Research Program Administration
DRISI manages a balanced, comprehensive portfolio of projects to address research and operational needs across Caltrans. The division seeks to take advantage of strategic collaboration opportunities by identifying public, academic, and private partnering solutions for conducting research. These partnerships leverage the dollars invested in present and future public infrastructure.
Research Program Funding
Allocation of FY 2022/23 Research Funds
- $25,870,006 - Caltrans Functional Research
- $5,742,470 - National Research Program
- $4,558,800 - State Research Support Partnerships (Research Centers)
- $3,396,154 - University Transportation Centers
- $250,000 - Deployment/Implementation Research
- $158,722 - Roadside Safety Research
Figure 1 – 2022/23 Research Projects Funds
Information Sharing & Knowledge Transfer
DRISI uses various methods to communicate research results and products.
Academic Partnerships
DRISI partners with university-based research centers to deliver research results and products. Each research center offers specialized technical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and materials.
National Research Programs
Caltrans partners with national transportation organizations and benefits from leveraging research conducted at the national level.
Research Program Development
DRISI engages the Caltrans Executive Board and three levels of committees in identifying research needs, selecting research projects, and deploying and implementing research products. The Executive Board provides strategic direction and identifies department-level research priorities.Recognition
DRISI would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed transportation research partners. Together, we have made significant strides in improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the field. Your invaluable contributions continue to shape the future of transportation research, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing support and partnership. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards innovation and excellence.
