DEFENCE AWARDS $53 M TO UNIVERSITIES FOR MILITARY RESEARCH

PENTAGON, United States – The Department of Defence has announced awards to 175 university researchers at 91 institutions in 36 states, totaling $53 million through the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. DURIP augments research capabilities at universities conducting cutting edge research for DoD, through the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment.  

 

“DURIP instrumentation awards provide the unique means through which DoD supports universities in the acquisition of essential laboratory equipment, usually out of reach for most research grants,” said Dale Ormond, principal director for research.  “DURIP is a true enabler of discovery for DoD supported science and technology research, and supports of the training of the next generation science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce.” 

In a statement, the department said awards are administered through a merit competition jointly conducted by the Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research, adding that solicited proposals target university investigators conducting foundational science and engineering research of importance to national defense. Pertinent research underpins advances in materials, structures, and manufacturing science; quantum and nanosciences; computing and networks; electronics, electromagnetics, and electro optics; acoustics; neuroscience; fluid dynamics; robotics and artificial intelligence; and ocean, environmental, and life sciences and engineering. 

The annual DURIP awards process is highly competitive.  Collectively, the Service research offices received 671 proposals, requesting $254 million in funding, of which the most meritorious proposals were selected.  Selections made by the Service research offices are subject to successful completion of negotiations with the academic institutions.