May 23, 2022 — Southwest Research Institute announced a 2021 research volume of nearly $726 million, up more than 4% from 2020 and the highest recorded by the Institute. Capital expenditures were up 21%, exceeding $71 million for the first time.

On May 23, the Institute’s Advisory Trustees, Board of Directors and special guests met for the 74th Annual Meeting, which highlighted presentations about several innovative research and development programs under way at SwRI in 2021. The meeting typically held in February was moved to May due to a peak in community infections of COVID-19 earlier in the year.

Sam G. Dawson, P.E., CEO of Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc., was elected chair of the board, his first time serving in this capacity. He previously served as vice chair in 2020−2021. Dawson was elected an Advisory Trustee in 2017 and joined the board in 2018. Jan Newton, retired president of AT&T Texas, was elected vice chair of the board, her first time to serve in this capacity. She was elected an Advisory Trustee in 2013 and joined the board in 2019.

“I am honored to step into this role as chair of the Board of Directors of Southwest Research Institute,” Dawson said. “It is my privilege to be affiliated with this outstanding, world-renowned R&D organization, especially as SwRI celebrates the momentous occasion of its 75th anniversary this September.”

Staff presentations touched on technology programs to help protect deep-water environments from oil spills, new techniques in recycling plastics and advanced fluids for electrified powertrains. SwRI staff also discussed automated buses, vaccine and drug development and several space research programs. Participants also were invited to several guided tours of the Institute.