Southeastern Universities Research Association

The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) is a nonprofit organization incorporating 57 member universities from the United States and Canada. Founded in 1980, SURA is dedicated to fostering collaborative research and education, enhancing the scientific capabilities of its member institutions, and advancing transformative scientific projects.

History

SURA was established in response to the need for collaborative efforts to construct and operate significant scientific facilities. Initially, it focused on building the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), now known as the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). This facility is renowned for its role in advancing nuclear physics research and is operated by SURA through Jefferson Science Associates, LLC.

Mission

The mission of SURA is centered on advancing collaborative research and education, with a focus on strengthening the scientific capabilities of its members and the nation. It supports a diverse range of research areas, including nuclear physics, space science and technology, information technology, and coastal and environmental research.

Research Activities

• Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility: SURA manages this facility on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy. It is a world-class research center for nuclear physics.
• Space Science & Technology: Collaboration with NASA on programs like CRESST II and GESTAR II.
• Information Technology: Focus on leveraging IT to facilitate regional, national, and international collaboration.
• Coastal and Environmental Research: Investigating phenomena impacting communities and ecosystems.

Infrastructure

SURA was instrumental in developing SURAnet, a high-performance network established in the late 1980s to support data-intensive research among its member institutions. This initiative was part of the broader National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET).

Financial Overview

As a 501(c)(3) organization, SURA is reliant on contributions and program services for a significant portion of its revenue. It also engages in lobbying activities to support its interests in education and research policy at the federal level.

Leadership and Structure

SURA operates under a structure that includes a Board of Directors and Member Representatives from its constituent institutions. The organization is led by a President & CEO and emphasizes collaboration among its members to advance scientific research and education.

Lobbying and Advocacy

SURA actively engages in lobbying, focusing on issues related to education and research funding. In 2024, it spent $230,000 on lobbying efforts.

Membership

SURA's membership encompasses a diverse group of universities from the southeastern United States, extending to other parts of the country and Canada. This collective effort allows for the pooling of resources and expertise to undertake large-scale research projects.