Our History

RTI International was founded in 1958 by universities and government and business leaders to retain local talent. We were the anchor tenant of North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, now known worldwide as a hub of research, technology, and innovation. Since then, we have grown into one of the world's leading nonprofit research institutes, with 6,000 staff in more than 90 countries working to improve the human condition by turning knowledge into practice.

In 2023, we are celebrating RTI's 65th anniversary. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. This page features our work finding solutions to large, global challenges to improve the human condition. From assisting the South African government with its transition from the apartheid education system and studying the long-term health effects in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita to providing public health research and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, RTI’s experts make a difference around the world.