The James M. Winford National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) was established in 1986 as a partnership between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Research and Education Foundation to provide practical research and development to meet the needs of maintaining America's highway infrastructure.
NCAT was created to ensure the asphalt pavement industry's ability to provide pavements that are durable, sustainable, quiet, safe and economical.
To advance asphalt pavement technology through renowned expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and partnerships with industry and infrastructure agencies.
Drive innovation in research, technology development, and education to advance safe, durable, and sustainable asphalt pavements.
Continue NCAT's growth as a trusted technical resource for the asphalt industry by translating research into implementable practices, leading collaborative efforts, and expanding into new markets and capabilities.
Accelerate the impact of research on practice by establishing NCAT as the most trusted source for accessible, effective asphalt training, education, and technology transfer.
Build the people, culture, and infrastructure that make NCAT's research possible, ensuring the capacity to deliver for decades to come.
Provide for the well-being of team members and visitors by ensuring a culture of safety consciousness through our attitude and actions.
Create an environment where all employees feel welcomed into an NCAT family that respects our differences and works together to accomplish the task at hand, ensuring members have full support while recognizing the importance of their home families.
Conduct ourselves with honesty and fairness, acting without bias, cutting corners, or compromising the truth.
Conduct and pursue deployable and valuable research and technical services that drive positive change for agencies, foster industry innovation, and improve the public's traveling experience.