Frequently Asked Questions about the International Textile Center at Texas Tech University
- What is the International Textile Center?
- Where is the ITC located?
- What sort of research is performed at the International Textile Center?
- Whom do I contact to have research performed?
- How can I get a job at the International Textile Center?
- What is the Texas International Cotton School?
- How can I enroll in the Texas International Cotton School?
- Can I get a tour of the ITC facilities?
- How can I learn more about fiber quality research?
- What is Textile Topics?
- How can I subscribe to Textile Topics?
- Does the ITC still sell their mini cotton bales? How can I get one?
- I have a very specific question that you might be able to answer. How can I get it answered?
- How can the media contact ITC researchers?
What is the International Textile Center?
Situated at the center of the Texas South Plains--one of the world’s largest cotton-producing regions--Texas Tech’s International Textile Center (ITC) continues to serve as an extension of the University’s original 1925 Charter. ITC’s mission, “to be a world leader in providing research, education, and technology transfer related to fiber properties and textile manufacturing, in order to increase the market value and use of natural fibers,” requires that ITC researchers and administration understand and work closely with every segment of the cotton industry, from the plant breeders and biotechnologists, through the cotton farmers, ginners, warehousemen, and merchants, and on to the textile and product manufacturers.
To read ITC’s Mission Statement, click here.
ITC’s 110,000 square-foot facility is located just outside the City of Lubbock on East Loop 289’s Access Road.
For a map and directions to ITC, click here.
What sort of research is performed at the International Textile Center?
ITC research capabilities include: the molecular analysis of fiber structures; the measurement of diverse fiber and fabric properties; the relationships of fiber properties to spinning performance and to yarn and fabric quality; the spinning performance of new cotton varieties; the development of new measurement technologies pertinent to fibers, yarns and fabrics; among others.
For a list of testing options and fees, click here.
Whom do I contact to have research performed?
This all depends on the testing you are requesting. We suggest you consult our list of capabilities and tests [link] to find out if the ITC offers what you need.
How can I get a job at the International Textile Center?
All available employment listings at Texas Tech University are posted for the public at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/personnel/. Feel free to consult those listings.
What is the Texas International Cotton School?
Conducted in cooperation with the Lubbock Cotton Exchange, a collective of local cotton merchants, the Texas International Cotton School (TICS) has introduced more than 400 professional and academic students from 54 countries to the technical and marketing aspects of the cotton industry in a two-week intensive course of study. Each TICS session takes place in August. If you are an international student, it is suggested that you begin the registration process as quickly as possible.
For more on the Texas International Cotton School or to register, click here.
How can I enroll in the Texas International Cotton School?
Simply fill out the form at http://www.texasintlcottonschool.com/registration.htm or call 1.806.763.4646
Can I get a tour of the ITC facilities?
The ITC offers tours to all adults, high school students and ag educators. To schedule a tour, call Mike Stephens, ITC Communications Coordinator, at (806) 747.3790, x513 or email him at michael.l.stephens@ttu.edu.
How may I learn more about fiber quality research?
There are a variety of ways. One, feel free to subscribe to ITC's quarterly electronic magazine, Textile Topics. There you'll find in-depth articles describing much of the research being conducted by ITC researchers. Feel free to scroll through the archive or search for a keyword in the more than thirty years of ITC investigation of fiber quality. In addition, see the ITC Store for a list of recent publications from ITC researchers. Finally, feel free to wander this website for more tours and news on the latest research in fiber quality or email a question to itc@ttu.edu.
What is Textile Topics?
Textile Topics is an electronic quarterly published to update interested persons on important ITC or fiber-quality related research. Notification of new issues of Textile Topics is currently made to subscribers via email.
How may I subscribe to Textile Topics?
Does the ITC still sell mini cotton bales? What about the Texas Tech "Double T" woven fabric? How can I get these items?
How may I get a very specific question answered?
How does the media contact ITC researchers?