Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Research Institute?

Southern Research is a not-for-profit, independent contract research organization (CRO) based in Birmingham, Alabama, with research facilities in Frederick, MD, and Durham, NC, and offices in Huntsville, AL, Wilsonville, AL, New Orleans, LA, Washington, DC, and Kiev, Ukraine.

What does Southern Research do?

Southern Research conducts basic and applied research in the areas of drug discovery, preclinical pharmaceutical and vaccine development, advanced engineering, environmental protection and energy production.

Who are some of Southern Research’s clients?

We place a high value on client confidentiality, so we do not name names without client approval. However, we can say that we work for government agencies such as the National Institutes for Heath and the Department of Defense, and for pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, defense contractors, electric utility companies and environmental technology companies from all over the world.

How long has Southern Research been in business?

Southern Research was chartered in 1941 as the Alabama Research Institute. Business and academic leaders envisioned an organization that would serve as the R&D arm for the Alabama companies that couldn't afford in-house research and development programs. Shortly after the charter document was signed, World War II erupted. Believing this wasn't the time to recruit the best and brightest scientific minds, the organization existed on paper for four years.

Fundraising efforts continued, and in order to expand the geographic area served - and reach more investors - the name was changed to Southern Research Institute.

In 1945, Southern Research finally began operations, first conducting research for the National Peanut Council regarding the homogenization of peanut butter, and developing a mechanical system for sofa beds.

How many people are employed at Southern Research?

There are more than 550 scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff employed by Southern Research Institute. Approximately 75 percent of those employees are located in Alabama, with the greatest number at the main campus. The remaining 25 percent are employed in Frederick, Maryland, and Durham, North Carolina.

Is Southern Research affiliated with SRI International?

No, they are totally separate entities, but often get confused with each other when people refer to Southern Research Institute as "SRI." That is why we always refer to "Southern Research" or "the Institute" when referring to Southern Research Institute.

What does the affiliation with The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) mean?

Southern Research is a non-profit corporation, 501(c)(3) and UAB is a publicly funded university. Southern Research operates as a separate entity from UAB. In the affiliation, the UAB president serves as the chairman of the Southern Research Board of Directors, and several UAB administrative staff members also serve on the Board. The affiliation serves as a more formal way to facilitate research interactions between Southern Research scientists and UAB scientists when appropriate.

Do you give tours to the public?

While we love to talk about the work we do, all Southern Research facilities are working labs, conducting work for our clients. Due to security regulations, client confidentiality, and respect for our scientific and engineering teams, we do not conduct tours at Southern Research Institute.

Do your scientists give presentations or conduct workshops?

Our scientists and engineers are happy to make presentations about their work, and often do so at professional society meetings and scientific conferences. Industry groups looking for speakers can call the Public Relations office at 205-581-2317.