Abstract: Professor Ohe has served as a consultant with FRI and facilitates FRI communication with the Japanese members of FRI. FRI is a not for profit organization supported by worldwide members. This paper will highlight the influence of people such as Henry Kister that passed through FRI and remain active in FRI planning and testing. A description of FRI is given documenting the testing capabilities of the FRI test columns including Gamma scanning; the move from California to Oklahoma; and the upgrade of the unit to test high capacity devices. A history of the testing emphasis highlights the testing of random and structured packings, trays, distributors and proprietary devices. The release of FRI data to the general public is also described. The paper concludes with comments from Professor Ohe and others as to the value of FRI to Separations Science.