Howard University makes history, wins $90M million military research contract
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Posted By: S. Moore on January 24, 2023 WASHINGTON (7News) — Howard University is making history after winning a $90 million contract for military research, according to the university. The university is the first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to lead a university-affiliated research center (UARC), which will be funded by the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense, officials said. Howard University president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick called the award a shining moment in the schools history. "It brings to culmination, our mission and the work we have been doing to get here as well," said Frederick. Howard hosted U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall to make the announcement Monday at the Founder's Library at 2 p.m. Students, faculty, staff, local government, members of Congress, the Air Force and Department of Defense staff were in attendance. Howard University will help the military combat international defense and growing concerns, by researching tactical autonomy and human-machine teams. Howard University ROTC member Bria White said she is excited to be a part of the new program. “I've heard my friends cheering in their rooms when they heard about this program," White told 7News' Kim Jackson. "So yeah, we're all excited to be a part of this program”. White said she believes the program could further students' stem majors and careers at Howard University. “I think that we just need the world to see that we are more than liberal arts we also stem we breed many architects, engineers, and mathematicians, all types of STEM degrees, and having this program really pushes that forward.” The DAF and DOD recently announced a plan to create an HBCU-led research center focused on “tactical autonomy” technology for military systems, according to a release. The goal is to provide support HBCU programs, which turnout about 30-percent of all professional STEM workers, but receive only a small percentage of military research funding. " We need your ideas. We need your creativity and we need to draw on the skills of all of our people," said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. Officials said the work will be performed at the university and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2028. President Frederick said some of the work has already begun, with certain security requirements, and buildings needing upgrades. They will have a strong kick off, he said, in the Fall. The Pentagon currently has 14 university-affiliated research centers, which are responsible for providing dedicated facilities and sharing space with DOD officials and industrial participants to conduct basic, applied and technology demonstration research. SOURCE 7News If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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