VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently hosted their Research and Development 2024 (RD24) workshop.
The event is a unique opportunity for participants to come together to showcase their expertise and create new, multidisciplinary collaborations within the organization while learning about exciting and innovative research. The three-day workshop included panel sessions, technical presentations, discussions with senior leaders and social activities.
“This event is for everybody to come together and tell their stories about the great research and development they are doing,” said Dr. David Pittman, director of the ERDC and director of research and development (R&D) and chief scientist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). “This is the fourth R&D workshop we’ve had since 2018, and these events have been an excellent opportunity to collaborate and teamwork.”
With a theme of “Transform and Transition! Networking ecosystems of expertise to resolve top USACE R&D challenges,” the goal of RD24 focused on promoting communication across diverse research efforts in support of transformative solutions that address Army and USACE R&D priorities and how to transition those solutions to stakeholders.
The biannual workshop has evolved and adapted over time with this being the first time an invitation was extended to all of USACE for participation and collaboration. With this year’s hybrid option, organizers saw a huge turnout with more than 1,100 in-person and virtual participants combined, with approximately 750 employees from within ERDC and 350 from across the enterprise.
“Our biggest successes at ERDC really come from this kind of collaboration,” said Pittman. “Across all laboratories, branches and divisions it really is the key to our success and everything we do for the Warfighter and the Nation.”
Those who attended the workshop shared that the week was informative, and they were able to collaborate and create new relationships.
“That’s my hope for all that attended.” said Pittman. “To meet new people, create new relationships, learn something new and start a new collaboration, that’s fantastic.”