Defense Department Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Research Equipment Awards to Minority-Serving InstitutionsDefense Department Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Research Equipment Awards[...]

Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced awards to 60 minority-serving institutions totaling $28.5 million as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MSI) Research and Education Program. Awards ranging up to $600,000 will support the acquisition of research and scientific equipment at 17 HBCUs, 41 MSIs, and two tribal colleges. The award recipients represent 43 institutions across 20 states and the District of Columbia.

"These awards are crucial to increasing universities' foundational research in support of the Department's science and technology priorities and expanding university education programs," noted Mrs. Evelyn Kent, Director of the DoD HBCU/MSI Program and Outreach. "The acquisition of state-of-the-art scientific and research equipment enables universities to advance current research capabilities and develop new competencies aligned with defense priorities, all while training the next generation of diverse STEM talent and guiding them toward research careers."

The awards are the result of a merit competition administered by the Army Research Office under policy and guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, with participation from the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The FY 2022 funding opportunity announcement received 151 proposals requesting $69 million in total funding. Proposals were evaluated by the three Military Service research offices, and the most meritorious were selected for awards. Selections made by the Service research offices are subject to successful completion of negotiations with the academic institutions. The list of awardees is available here.

DoD has a longstanding relationship with HBCUs/MSIs. Their contributions to the defense research enterprise help strengthen the Department's fundamental advancements in priority scientific areas. The acquisition of scientific and research equipment enhances the institutions' ability to conduct research and strengthens their infrastructure in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. This year's awards continue to support transformative research of critical importance to the DoD, spanning the biosciences, hypersonics, quantum sciences, autonomy, and robotics.

About USD(R&E)

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre.