The Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) and the College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) are soliciting proposals for materials handling and facility logistics research projects.

In June 2007, CICMHE and MHIA held the Materials Handling & Logistics Summit in Whitefish, Montana to discuss the trends and challenges facing the industry. In response, the organisations developed a number of initiatives, including the development of a funding source for materials handling and logistics research.

Mike Ogle, MHIA's vice president for educational and technical services, says the USD100,000 allocated from MHIA's general funds to research projects this year is the association's first step toward meeting the initiative.

"We plan to greatly increase the amount in future years, but are still developing the mechanism to raise, manage and distribute the funds," he says.

Proposals must be for materials handling and facility logistics research conducted by academic institutions. One or more graduate students must work with the principal investigator/s. The lead institution and principal investigator must be in the US or Canada.

Proposals must also address one or more of the initiatives identified in the 2007 Materials Handling & Logistics Summit. Applicants for funding must submit a proposal to MHIA/CICMHE following the guidelines found in: www.mhia.org/CICMHE/researchfunding.

MHIA is an international trade association representing the materials handling and logistics industry. Members include materials handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third-party logistics providers.

CICMHE is an independent organisation that provides information, teaching materials and various events in support of materials handling education and research. Founded in 1952, the main body of CICMHE is composed of thirteen college and university educators.

For questions regarding the program, contact Mike Ogle at +1-800-345-1815/+1-704-676-1190.