Center for Advanced Engineering & Research

The Center for Advanced Engineering & Research (CAER) was a non-profit research and development organization based in Forest, Virginia. Founded in 2006 as part of the Region 2000 Partnership, the center was designed to foster collaboration between high-tech industries, university researchers, and major R&D centers. Its primary focus areas included nuclear energy, wireless technology, and biotechnology, supporting regional innovation and workforce development. The center operated a 30,000-square-foot facility that provided specialized labs and resources for startups and established firms. In 2017, the CAER facility was acquired by Liberty University and transitioned into the Center for Energy Research and Education (CERE). Today, the site continues to serve as a hub for advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical research initiatives in the region.