University and Industry Research Centers

The University and Industry Research Centers program aims to foster collaboration between universities, industry, and the Army to advance research that supports future force capabilities. This initiative includes Collaborative Technology Alliances (CTAs) and Collaborative Research Alliances (CRAs), which leverage investments from the commercial sector and academia to develop technologies relevant to the Army's mission. The program also supports University Centers of Excellence (COEs) and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), focusing on areas such as automotive technology, biotechnology, and simulation. These centers aim to expand knowledge in critical research areas while enhancing graduate education programs to increase the supply of scientists and engineers.

The Army Research Centers project within this program focuses on partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) to advance innovative basic research in strategic areas for the Army. This project also includes UARCs like the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, which emphasizes materials research for soldier protection, and the Institute for Creative Technologies, which collaborates with academia and industry to develop training simulations. The COEs aim to address enduring Army needs by coupling state-of-the-art research with education programs in automotive and rotary wing technology.

The Army Collaborative Research and Tech Alliances project supports partnerships that focus on rapidly transitioning innovative technologies to the Warfighter. These alliances cover topics such as cybersecurity, intelligent systems technology, neuroscience, advanced materials, quantum effects, semiconductor modeling, autonomous maneuvering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The collaboration between industry, academia, and government is crucial for addressing complex Army technology challenges and achieving operational superiority through fast, intelligent behaviors.

The Army Educational Outreach Program is designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students from elementary through undergraduate levels. By providing practical experiences at Army laboratories and exposure to Department of Defense careers, this program aims to build a diverse pool of STEM talent that can support defense industry needs. The program emphasizes reaching underserved communities and military-affiliated groups through competitions, internships, apprenticeships, and educational partnerships.

The International Science and Technology project seeks to leverage global research investments by identifying promising technologies from international partners that align with the Army's modernization priorities. Through International Technology Centers (ITCs) located worldwide, this initiative scouts emerging technologies that could enhance the Army's capabilities. The Foreign Technology Assessment Support program further evaluates these discoveries for potential integration into the Army's science and technology strategy.

Lastly, congressional interest funding has been directed towards specific advancements such as materials in extreme environments, biotechnology advancements, cybersecurity education initiatives in high schools, next-generation survival radios, quantum computing technologies, and hypersonic technology research. These initiatives align with broader defense priorities set by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.