Partnering with Purpose

Annual Report 2023

Purpose

Annual Report 2023

Message from the President and CEO

Tim Gabel

(He/Him)

At RTI, we are incredibly proud of our 65-year history of improving the human condition. But if there's one thing we understand, it's that we don't work alone. We pursue purposeful partnerships that advance science and help people, communities, and our planet thrive.

For Science

Founded on the talent of North Carolina's great research universities, RTI has always centered its work on scientific advancement. Our experts are thought leaders and proponents of open science. Their insights bring a sense of purpose to our projects in social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development.

Promoting Open Science

Our thought leaders share their support for the Year of Open Science, a White House effort to enhance rigor, accelerate progress, and translate research findings into impactful action.

Integrated Governance Enables Democracy to Deliver

Embedding democracy, rights, and governance principles and practices in international development activities across all sectors is core to ensuring effectiveness, results, and sustainability.

Nurturing Values for a New Generation of Scientists

RTI’s most distinguished scientists strive to conduct high-impact research while focusing on inclusive outreach, open science, data democratization, and mentorship.

Managing Data to Maximize Research Impact

In a key open science initiative, we helped establish a resource kit that promotes the sharing of scientific data generated across the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Local Leaders at the Forefront of International Development Programming

Our new Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) framework helps local actors take the lead in measurement and learning for international development programming.

For People

Our projects include improving global learning outcomes, empowering innovation in biomedical research and ensuring classrooms are free of hazards.

Eliminating Lead and Asbestos in Schools and Child Care Facilities

With funding from the American Rescue Plan, Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ helps protect children from hazardous materials in buildings and water systems.

Preventing Unintended Pregnancy and HIV with One Product

Our work on the USAID-funded SCHIELD project focuses on the safety, accessibility, and effectiveness of an innovative implant for reproductive health.

Tackling Taboos for Better Menstrual Health and Hygiene

To improve menstrual health and hygiene interventions, we need to take a multi-sectoral approach that integrates health, gender equality, education, equity and rights, and economic security.

Investigating the Long-Term Safety of a Type 2 Diabetes Drug

RTI Health Solutions conducted a decade-long postauthorization safety study of dapagliflozin in Europe and the U.S., demonstrating the drug’s safety and uncovering unexpected benefits.

Assessing Access to Mental Health Software Applications for Law Enforcement Officers

Investigating how mental health apps can help law enforcement officers deal with job-related stress and trauma led to better performance and community safety.

Empowering NIH Small Business Innovators and Entrepreneurs

By facilitating new developments in the biomedical and life sciences fields, small businesses could market their technologies, gain competitive advantages, and attract future funding.

Using Behavioral Science to Improve Learning Outcomes Globally

The pandemic exacerbated obstacles that hinder the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of advancing inclusive and equitable quality education for all, but our experts are seeking solutions.

Addressing the Overdose Crisis in Texas

We connect academic and government resources to support the Texas Targeted Opioid Response Program, demonstrating how partnership can yield greater results than working alone.

Improving Health through Wearable Sensor Technologies

The SIGMA+ Health platform creates advanced data analytics to ensure optimal physical and mental health among Service members for better military performance.

For Communities

Our purpose extends to improving the human condition on a wide scale, through projects that reach entire populations or regions. We are strengthening agriculture across Ethiopia, building a worldwide network of infectious disease scientists, preventing opioid overdoses in vulnerable communities, and studying what helps all children thrive.

Celebrating the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Bangladesh

With support from USAID and RTI, Bangladesh made a significant achievement in the ongoing effort to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases.

Facing Future Pandemics with Coordinated Research

With participants from 39 countries, the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases Coordinating Center is training the next generation of infectious disease investigators.

Improving Disaster Response in Crowded Settings

Leveraging simulation models to analyze how people react to attacks on large events and in busy public spaces enabled emergency responders to provide better protection.

Improving Nutrition and Resilience in Ethiopia

We are partnering with USAID and local partners on a nutrition-led approach to transform Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. Our goal: foster competitiveness, inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience.

Preventing Opioid Overdose Deaths

Through the HEALing Communities Study, our experts developed specific guides that outline proven interventions for combating the opioid overdose crisis at the community level.

Enabling Greater Access and Accountability in Guinea’s Health System

We are working with USAID and local partners to improve health outcomes among Guineans by expanding essential quality health services and strengthening trust in the health system.

Strengthening the Foundation for Children to Grow, Learn, and Thrive

In 2023, RTI launched the Center for Thriving Children, focused on applying expertise in child development; nutrition; maternal, newborn and child health; early learning; and other disciplines.

For The Planet

The great challenge of the 21st century is protecting the planet we all share. Sustainability is a common purpose across RTI, as we work to unlock the potential of green energy sources and preserve natural resources such as water and wildlife.

Solving Water-Based Challenges of Climate Change

Our team’s portfolio of hydrology research projects will help the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration manage increasing water demand and scarcity, extreme weather events and hydrologic uncertainty.

Powering the "Green Revolution" with Ammonia

Experts in multiple fields are exploring the potential role of ammonia in clean energy storage and decarbonizing the world’s most challenging market sectors.

Conserving Biodiversity and Strengthening Resilience in Uganda

In partnership with USAID, local communities, and the private sector, we work on climate-smart solutions to enhance community resilience and protect wildlife, natural habitats, and biodiversity.

Expanding Affordable and Clean Electricity in East and Central Africa

Working across 12 countries, we’re leading this Power Africa project to provide 50 million people with access to new or improved clean energy, driving economic growth and improving lives.

Designing a Roadmap Toward Phosphorous Sustainability

With colleagues at North Carolina State University, we published an actionable framework to accelerate progress toward the sustainable use of phosphorus in the United States.

At A Glance

RTI's Global Presence

$1.2B
revenue
3,832
projects
1,126
clients

RTI's Global Workforce

5956
Staff
africa 693
asia pacific 575
europe 126
lac 113
mena 4
N. America 4445
107
nationalities
80
languages

RTI's Scientific Stature

51
fellows
5
books
44
editorials
15
patents
15
book chapters
22
rti press
1,109
journal articles