NCRC offers various levels of membership. The level is determined by the annual gross income of the company.
One may question the benefit of membership in an organization such as NCRC. There are many direct and indirect benefits that can be derived from membership in NCRC. Below, we summarize our top ten reasons to join NCRC.
1. Research Cost Avoidance. NCRC Core Research programs are member initiated programs focused on fundamental questions that the industry faces today. Core programs are supported by funds from the State of North Carolina and the membership dues received from our members and are valued at over $1,000,000 research dollars annually. Altogether, NCRC spends over $1,300,000 annually on core research programs for the benefit of its members. Our members avoid research expenditures on projects that might have been carried out internally. The results of the research are proprietary to the NCRC and to the member companies of the Center. Full members receive a non-exclusive license to technologies developed by the center.
2. Research Amplification. NCRC Core Research programs often help provide support and background for some work being carried out internally by our members.
3. Non-core Research Cost Reduction. NCRC Non-core Research and Service programs are available to members at reduced fees. These programs focus on one or more of the above objectives but are carried out for an individual company. Single company sponsored programs can be proprietary. Non-core projects of special interest can also be developed for a group of NCRC member companies.
4. Technology Transfer. NCRC is engaged in a very active program in the form of:
a. courses taught at plant sites,
b. INDA/NCRC short courses,
c. industrial internships
d. focused seminars, symposia, and conferences
e. one-on-one consulting.
f. test method development
5. Product Development. NCRC has extensive pilot capabilities and these facilities are available to its members at reduced fees.
6. Analytical Services. NCRC has extensive analytical capabilities and these facilities are available to its members at reduced fees.
7. Training. NCRC trains a large number of students who often get hired by our member companies. NCRC also trains operators in emerging new technologies using its state-of-the-art facilities.
8. Industrial Networking. NCRC has over 40 companies that interact with the Center routinely through semi-annual meetings, workshops, etc. These events provide a great forum for networking.
9. University Networking. NCRC works with several other Universities and multiple faculty members at NC State. These contacts can be invaluable for future developments.
10. Sourcing. NCRC members of staff are often called upon to assist member companies with their needs regarding the establishment of new facilities, the purchase of new materials, roll goods or other products.
For more information on membership, contact us by email at nonwovens@ncsu.edu or check out the following documents.
NCRC Membership Agreement - (PDF)
Membership Categories
NCRC offers various levels of membership. The level is decided by the annual gross income of the company. Available membership categories are:
Full Members
Large companies must join as Full Members and are represented on the IAB and have voting rights. Their representatives are entitled to attend meetings of the Center where results of the core research programs are reported. Their staff members are entitled to attend workshops, training seminars, and research symposia organized by the Center, at reduced fees.
Affiliate Members
Small and medium size companies may join as Affiliates or choose to become Full Members. Affiliates do not have representation on the IAB. Their representatives are entitled to attend meetings of the Center where results of the core research programs are reported. Their staff members are entitled to attend workshops, training seminars, and research symposia organized by the Center, at reduced fees.
Emeritus
Emeritus membership is an honorary membership category for individuals from NCRC member companies who have served NCRC over an extended period of time. Emeritus members do not pay an annual fee and can attend NCRC meetings at no cost. Emeritus members do not vote and are not entitled to receiving intellectual property.
