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Research

To tackle the world’s grand challenges, we advance the state of the art in textiles.

The Leading Edge

For more than 120 years, the Wilson College of Textiles has stood at the forefront of textiles research and innovation. Today, we’re a global leader in the field, committed to shaping the evolution of textiles and their applications in everyday life.

Textiles research is essential to everything from carbon capture to wearable technology to the next generation of batteries. One constant in all our work is sustainability: improving textile production to use less energy, create fewer harmful byproducts and deliver cost-effective solutions for industry.

As a public land-grant institution, our priority is serving the needs of people. From analyzing global markets to advancing polymer chemistry and nanotechnology, our work is vital not just for traditional textiles companies but for everyone’s quality of life.

Labs and Facilities

Explore our unique footprint with its dozens of cutting-edge laboratories.

People

Meet the superb faculty researchers and staff who work in our college.

Research Administration

Get in touch with the people who lead and direct our research mission.

Research Highlights

See some examples that showcase the breadth — and impact — of our research mission.

$9.1M in Research and Service Annually

We’ve received funding from some 130 companies and nonprofits, as well as federal agencies like the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.

Partner with us

Taking a Systems Approach to Sustainability Research at NC State

Professor Karen Leonas prides herself in actionable research that is ready for real-world applications.

A serene outdoor courtyard features a rectangular reflecting pool surrounded by lush green grass and trees. In the background, a modern brick building with large reflective windows (the Wilson College of Textiles) stands tall under a clear blue sky. Adirondack chairs are scattered around the area.

Faculty Research Awarded $1.8 Million Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Science

Assistant Professor Yang Zhang will use the prestigious NIH MIRA grant to fund research integratingdye chemistry, fiber science and biomedical research.

Melissa Armistead adjusts a mask on a mannequin head. Several colorful mannequin heads are lined up on a workbench, each with an open mouth, which is part of a research or testing setup. A door and equipment are visible in the background.

Wilson College Doctoral Student Recognized With $10,000 Scholarship for Cutting-Edge Research

The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) recently celebrated the research of Melissa Armistead, a fiber and polymer science Ph.D. student, for work that could prove pivotal for firefighters on the front lines.

A Hub for Public-Private Partnerships

As the most significant textiles research hub in North America, our college has a footprint of more than 200,000 square feet, most of which is devoted to world-class labs and facilities for testing, analysis, fabrication and product development. That’s why we’re the partner of choice for private companies and public agencies alike.

Our researchers, who hail from five continents, are renowned for their expertise, problem-solving and interdisciplinarity. Together with our partners in business, government and the academy, we work on some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as shielding firefighters from extreme heat or securing our clean water supply.

Here on NC State’s award-winning Centennial Campus, we’ve built a bustling hub for research, innovation, extension and service — which includes four leading centers and institutes dedicated to textiles and nonwovens.

Assistant Professor Helmut Hergeth stands in front of a screen displaying a presentation while looking at two students that have a laptop between them.

Fashion and Textile Business Excellence Cooperative

FTBEC provides companies in the textile and apparel industry with consulting services, training opportunities and articles breaking down industry trends from a research perspective.

Find out more

The Nonwovens Institute

As the world’s first accredited program for the interdisciplinary field of engineered fabrics, the Nonwovens Institute is a one-of-a-kind global partnership and research consortium.

Explore the institute

Textile Protection and Comfort Center

As one of the best centers of its kind in the industry, TPACC tests how materials stand up to heat, flame, toxic liquids and gases — as well as everyday wear.

Discover our capabilities

Zeis Textiles Extension

In support of NC State’s land-grant mission, ZTE provides professional development, prototyping and testing services to the textiles industry — and those who work alongside it.

Learn what we offer

Research Resources

Our college provides a world-class research environment for its faculty and staff — including comprehensive support for finding funding opportunities, preparing proposals and managing research awards.

Learn more