About the Office of Applied Research (OAR)
Our Mission
The mission of the OAR is to conduct a program of high-quality, applied research, advancing solutions to the increasingly complex needs confronting Colorado's transportation future.
OAR saves Colorado citizens money, time, and lives while preserving the environment and quality of life through the research of innovative products and materials, exploration of emerging technologies, and transfer of published results from transportation research outside Colorado.
Research Program Areas
- Environmental, Water Quality and Sustainability
- Structure, Hydraulic and Geotechnical
- Safety, Operations, and Planning
- Pavement and Materials
- Library & Information
National Participation
OAR also participates in national research efforts such as Transportation Research Board (TRB), AASHTO, FHWA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
How to Submit a Research Idea
Research ideas are submitted in the form of a problem statement. Problem statements are reviewed by Research staff, Oversight Teams and the Research and Implementation Council. Those problem statements that are selected for funding will be developed into research projects including, typically, contracting with a university or private researcher as principal investigator.
