US Defense Department invests $40 million in minority-serving higher education institutions

The United States Department of Defense has declared the formation of four new Centers of Excellence at minority-serving higher education institutions to advance scientific research and technology. These establishments are part of the DoD’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Research and Education Program.

The COEs were chosen via a stringent, merit-based competition and are set to focus on technology sectors. These sectors are crucial to the department’s goals for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control, including advanced computing, future-generation wireless technology, integrated sensing and cyber, as well as renewable energy generation and storage. The investment in these research centers amounts to $40 million and spans a period of five years.

Improving research

This funding aims to bolster research activities and expand the capacity of HBCUs and MIs in participating in DoD research programs. The initiative is expected to enhance the number of STEM graduates, particularly those from under-represented minority communities—a development deemed crucial for the Department’s broader objectives.

Evelyn Kent, director of DoD HBCU/MI Program and Outreach, said: “The creation of these COEs will substantially augment the Department’s capabilities in conducting transformative research in areas critical for national security. These centers will be incubators of innovative ideas and technologies, and we anticipate they will make significant contributions to the Department’s research initiatives.”

The COEs were developed based on merit evaluations conducted by a panel of subject matter experts. The DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory will distribute the awards to the chosen institutions. The award-winning centers are as follows:

• Arizona State University and Ohio State University exploring challenges and opportunities in future-generation wireless technology, commonly termed FutureG
  
• Florida International University and Pennsylvania State University specializing in integrated renewable energy and energy storage to enhance the DoD’s operational readiness.
  
• Georgia State University and Duke University focusing on advanced computing and software technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing
  
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Pennsylvania State University researching integrated sensing and cyber technologies, pertinent for electronic warfare, radar, and communications in contested environments