The Energy Research Center is a multidisciplinary research group involving professional staff, faculty, and students. As the focal point for energy related research at Lehigh, the Center manages the University's energy research program and serves as the main energy research contact between the University, industry and government.

The Center was founded in 1973 to provide solutions to the Nation's energy problems. The faculty and staff of the Center participate in many aspects of energy research, with major emphasis on research dealing with energy conversion, power generation and environmental control. The Center's projects cover the spectrum from fundamental engineering and science issues to applied research topics.

Research within the Center is supported by contracts and grants from government and industry. The Center has particularly close ties with industry, with a significant number of joint research projects involving Lehigh faculty, staff and students and staff from private industry. The Center also operates the Energy Liaison Program, which provides consultation and problem-solving assistance to participating companies.