The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) was established in 1986 as a partnership between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Research and Education Foundation to provide practical research and development to meet the needs of maintaining America's highway infrastructure. NCAT was created to ensure this industry's ability to provide pavements that are durable, sustainable, quiet, safe and economical. They work with state highway agencies, the Federal Highway Administration and the highway construction industry to develop and evaluate new products, design technologies and construction methods that quickly lead to pavement improvements.

Mission
NCAT’s mission is to provide innovative, relevant and implementable research, technology development and education that advances safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements.

Vision
NCAT will maintain its prominence as a world leader in asphalt pavement technology. Central to all its functions will be NCAT’s historic partnerships with NAPA, state transportation departments, the FHWA and all stakeholders involved in the asphalt pavement industry. NCAT will continue to be recognized for the quality of its research, training, education and technology transfer. NCAT will ensure the quality of its programs through a careful focus of its resources with emphasis in areas of national and economic need.