ATLANTA - Over the years, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) research program has been successful in providing new information for the HVAC industry. ASHRAE is now developing a strategic research planning process that will include creation of a five- to 10-year research plan. The plan will provide a guide for society-sponsored research over the next several years.

"We want to ensure that ASHRAE's research program is meeting the needs of members and those in the industry," said John Mitchell, chair of ASHRAE's Research Advisory Panel, which is preparing the plan. "Therefore, we are asking ‘What research should ASHRAE undertake to meet the challenges of the next five to 10 years?'"

To ensure the plan will meet future needs, ASHRAE is seeking input from members, non-members, and selected industry and government representatives. ASHRAE held the second of two workshops on Oct. 1, meeting with some 20 people to discuss their research needs.

"We are not asking for specific research topics, but rather general topic areas, such as adaptive controls, dedicated outdoor air systems, more applied research, or more basic, pre-competitive research and in what areas," Mitchell said.

All suggestions should be sent to Mike Vaughn, manager of research and technical services, at mvaughn@ashrae.org.

The Research Advisory Panel hopes to obtain approval of the plan at ASHRAE's 2005 Annual Meeting, June 25-29, in Denver.

Publication date: 11/01/2004