09/11/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2025 13:21
Washington, DC - Today, the ACEC Research Institute announced a major donation from Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering and construction firm.
Burns & McDonnell's Founder Circle donation supports the ACEC Research Institute's efforts to provide insights and thought leadership for the engineering industry. The Institute is an independent, non-profit organization.
"At Burns & McDonnell, we seek to preserve and advance the communities we serve, live in and care for," said Paul Fischer, chief operations officer, Burns & McDonnell. "The industries we support - from water, power, and gas to transportation, aviation and manufacturing - are the foundation of daily life. By contributing to the ACEC Research Institute, we're investing in the insights and innovation helping shape resilient and thriving communities for generations to come."
"Burns & McDonnell's donation illustrates the foresight needed to keep the engineering industry ahead of the curve," said Steve Lefton, chair of the ACEC Research Institute. "Innovation backed by insight is the key to ensuring our profession's resilience in a rapidly changing world."
In addition to conducting original research, the institute has awarded $678,000 in student scholarships over the last year to help young professionals enter this vital industry.
The ACEC Research Institute's data is often cited by the media and is available on the Bloomberg Terminal, a tool for financial professionals that provides real-time data, news, and analytics. The Institute's sought-after experts are also frequent contributors to industry podcasts.
Through their donation, Burns & McDonnell joins a growing list of donors that have stepped forward over the past few years to support the ACEC Research Institute at the highest level, Founder Circle, many of which were early contributors that helped launch the Institute:
ACEC California
ACEC Florida
ACEC Life/Health Trust
ACEC Minnesota
ACEC New York
ACEC North Carolina
ACEC Texas
AET
Autodesk
Benesch
Bentley
BST Global
Burns & McDonnell
CMT
Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine
Deltek
DJ&A
HDR
JMT
Kimley-Horn
POWER Engineers
RS&H
Stanley Consultants
STV
T. Baker Smith
Terracon
VHB
Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies - driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists - delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.
The ACEC Research Institute, through the generous support of its donors, will continue to expand its research activities. By harnessing the collective expertise of its members and stakeholders, the Institute aims to develop transformative solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time, ensuring a safer, more sustainable, and resilient built environment for future generations.
Individuals, firms, and foundations interested in supporting the ACEC Research Institute should reach out to Daphne Bryant, executive director, at [email protected].
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