Water and environmental solutions
Advanced treatment technologies, emerging contaminants (including PFAS), indirect and direct potable reuse, biofiltration, anaerobic membrane bioreactors, and alternative disinfection methods.
R&D by the numbers
$18M
in total program investments
120
active projects
390
team members working on R&D projects
Research with purpose
Our commitment to innovation—rooted in a longstanding culture of research that began with our founders—defines how we work and drives us to explore new technologies, methodologies and solutions, creating a seamless bridge between concept and application. Our state-of-the-art CDM Smith laboratories are the cornerstone of our R&D strategy, where we advance knowledge through bench and pilot scale testing to determine feasibility or validate a concept, optimize a technology or its use, troubleshoot real-world problems, and deliver evidence-based recommendations and practical breakthroughs. This thinking is not only shaping the future of engineering and science, but also helping clients meet regulatory requirements, improve efficiency, support societal wellbeing and public health, and achieve goals in areas that matter most.
Transportation and mobility
Reimagining roadways and mobility systems through dynamic traffic tools, AI driven video detection, tolling algorithms, immersive reality applications, and technologies that support safety, efficiency and quality of life.
Climate, sustainability and energy
Renewable energy strategies, emissions reduction, waste-to-energy conversion, water reuse and climate resiliency planning.
R&D in action
Video
Welcome to the Bellevue research and testing laboratory
USEPA has set limits on more than 90 contaminants within drinking water and monitors about 30 additional unregulated compounds. Since no two sources are the same and the Earth is covered in roughly 1.3 billion cubic kilometers of water, how do we address contamination with lasting solutions? Welcome to the Bellevue Research and Testing Laboratory, a CDM Smith resource that provides customized treatability studies and research and development for wastewater and drinking water treatment. The lab, equipped with innovative tools and led by world-renowned scientists, offers flask-to-field solutions tailored to clients’ specific needs. This video is your invitation to the future of remediation.
Video
Reuse applications using microbes
Rasha Maal-Bared talks about microbiology, conducting experiments to monitor bacteria, pathogens, and viruses while expanding into PFAS research. She highlights exciting projects with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, emphasizing California's leadership in water safety regulations. She also discusses the long history of non-potable water reuse for agriculture and industry, while addressing the challenges of science communication. She discusses a project on low pressure membranes, which are often overlooked in regulations, and has introduced a portable PCR to expedite testing.
Collaboration that extends our impact
We take a collaborative approach to research, partnering nationally and internationally with clients, universities, not for profit research foundations, government agencies, and industry organizations. Through internal investment and external research funding, we are advancing promising ideas across the spectrum of infrastructure and environmental challenges while also inspiring and building the workforce of the future.
Dive deeper into our R&D program
Ready to take the next steps?
We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.