ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROJECT MANAGER
Project Managers are those in the Research Section representing the funding program of the project. They serve to assist the Project Champions, PDG, and TAC through an administrative and oversight role.
RESEARCH LIAISONS
The Research Liaison fulfills a critical role as the first point of contact between Iowa DOT Research and stakeholders, prioritizing effective communications to ensure research efforts are clear, needs are understood, and everyone involved is heard. The Research Liaison also facilitates ongoing collaboration among research stakeholders, supporting overall research efforts.
PROJECT CHAMPIONS
The Project Champion participates in every stage of the research project by first assembling then serving on both the Project Development Group (PDG) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The Project Champion also guides the project’s development from start to finish.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Representing stakeholders in the public and private sector, members of the Project Development Group (PDG) work together to shape the overall scope of the project before it begins and ensure it is successfully implemented once the research is complete. The PDG member also assists in developing the project’s request for proposal, turning ideas into actionable goals.
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) consists of representatives from Iowa DOT and other public agencies, research institutions, and private industry. TAC members provide perspective, subject matter expertise, data or equipment support, and other assistance as needed for the active research project. The TAC also ensures the project stays on track to meet its identified goals.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
Subject Matter Experts support the research program by providing feedback on potential research projects, serving as project champions, acting as members of both PDG and TAC, and participating in focus groups.
FOCUS GROUP
Focus groups are regular gatherings of Subject Matter Experts from the DOT, Counties, Cities, FHWA, Industry, Academia, and others to discuss research needs in specific areas.
REVIEWERS
Reviewers consist of any and all stakeholders, including other government, university employees and the general public. Together they shape the overall research program by reviewing, rating and commenting on submitted ideas during the open feedback portion of the research cycle. Comments are also welcomed on all active and completed projects. While all submitted ideas and projects are viewable by anyone at any time, a free user account will be needed in order to interact with any particular idea or project.
IOWA HIGHWAY RESEARCH BOARD
The IHRB is an advisory board responsible for assisting the Iowa Counties, Iowa Cities and Iowa DOT in the development and continuation of an effective program of research and development in highway transportation. Board membership includes representatives of Iowa's city and county government highway agencies, the Iowa DOT, and Iowa's public universities.
NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM PANEL MEMBERS
Cooperative Research Program Panel Members are selected from nominated transportation professionals to serve on projects funded by Transportation Research Board. Additional information regarding this role can be found by reading through The Roles of NCHRP Panel Members and Liaisons. The call for nominations takes place in early May every year. For information on the nomination process, contact us at Contact.Research@iowadot.us.
TRB COMMITTEE MEMBERS & FRIENDS
Transportation Research Board (TRB) advises transportation efforts through the volunteering of transportation professionals on committees, panels and task forces. Additional information regarding these roles is available at the TRB website.
AASHTO COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Through AASHTO’s extensive volunteer committee structure, officials from across the nation meet to set policy goals and develop a wide range of voluntary recommended infrastructure construction, management, and operations standards and guidelines that affect projects, programs and people in every state.