DoD doles out $161M across 120 universities for defense-related research equipment

Through the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced awards of $161 million will support 281 university researchers from 39 states next year, to help purchase major equipment for defense-relevant research.

“DURIP awards build vital research infrastructure, advancing the exploration of knowledge and upholding the cutting-edge capabilities of our academic institutions,” said Dr. Bindu Nair, director of basic research in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “This funding underpins the enduring scientific excellence of our universities, nurtures the development of the next STEM workforce, and catalyzes scientific innovations that will lead to unprecedented military capabilities in the years ahead.”

This funding will aid 120 universities in all, subject to successful completion of negotiations with them. It is administered by a merit competition by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office and Office of Naval Research, with a focus on university investigators’ proposals for foundational science and engineering research related to national defense.

Targeted research in this round included items such as quantum computing, bioelectronics and the creation of novel materials, and ranged from institutions like the University of Notre Dame in Indiana to the University of North Texas.