Individual wearing VR goggles in front of blast furnace simulator

Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS)

We apply simulation and visualization to solve real world problems and create innovative solutions for industry, education and the community.

Visitor participates in hands-on experiences of AR & VR projects. Participant is standing while wearing a tethered VR headset surrounded by several people observing

CIVS Impacts

We work with faculty, students, industry and the community to develop innovative solutions for a wide variety of issues. We’ve collaborated with more than 160 external organizations, producing more than $40 million in savings.

See Our Impact

Violet Sistovaris using virtual reality headset

CIVS is not only continuing to create a tremendous learning environment and experience for students, but they’re using technology resources to help our industry and others in a way that is both relevant and insightful

Violet Sistovaris
Former Executive Vice President & President, NIPSCO

Resources

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Meet CIVS

Who We Are

The diverse backgrounds of the CIVS staff help us to tackle a multitude of research and development projects.

Visitor participates in hands-on experiences of AR & VR projects in the visualization lab. Participant is standing while wearing a tethered VR headset and manipulating hand held controllers surrounded by several people observing

Meet Our Consortium

Steel Manufacturing and Visualization Consortium

CIVS has founded the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium to advance the steel manufacturing industry by addressing major technological and related barriers.

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View CIVS Projects and Collaborations

A Broad Portfolio

CIVS projects span a large catalog. See what we’ve accomplished with highlighted projects.

News & Announcements

See All CIVS News
Digital Rendering of the Roberts Impact Lab

Purdue Northwest’s Roberts Impact Lab to start hosting innovation and research initiatives in 2026

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) leaders look forward to opportunities for innovation and workforce development enterprises to begin in 2026 at the university’s highly anticipated Roberts Impact Lab.

A crowd sits in the CIVS theater.

Quantum and defense experts convene at PNW’s CIVS

Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), in coordination with One Region, Inc., hosted several quantum and defense-focused leaders and researchers during fall 2025 to discuss the Midwest’s future and role with the quantum economy and national security.

PNW Acorn Award Winners

Multiple PNW faculty and staff members earn Purdue system recognition for multimillion dollar research grants

Thirteen PNW faculty and staff members are being recognized by Purdue University’s Office of Research for impactful scholarly initiatives that have earned millions of dollars in external funding.