University and Industry Research Centers

The University and Industry Research Centers program (PE 0601104A) is a foundational Army basic research initiative designed to foster university and industry-based research, providing the scientific groundwork for future Army technologies. Its primary objectives are to leverage the strengths of academia, industry, and Army laboratories to advance knowledge and develop enabling technologies critical for future force capabilities. The program supports a variety of collaborative models, including Collaborative Technology Alliances (CTAs), Collaborative Research Alliances (CRAs), University Centers of Excellence (COEs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), educational outreach, and international research partnerships. These efforts are aligned with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's priorities and the Army Modernization Strategy.

Army Research Centers (AB4) focus on three main types of centers: HBCU/MI Research Centers of Excellence, University Affiliated Research Centers, and Army Centers of Excellence. The HBCU/MI Research Centers of Excellence aim to broaden the research ecosystem and performer base by competitively selecting teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions for multi-year research grants in information sciences, engineering, and physical sciences.

UARCs, such as the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies, and Institute for Creative Technologies, conduct multidisciplinary research in areas like advanced materials, biotechnology, and immersive training environments. The Army Centers of Excellence, including the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence and the Automotive Research Center, focus on expanding knowledge in rotorcraft and ground vehicle technologies. These centers support both research and graduate education to ensure a pipeline of scientists and engineers for the Army.

Army Collaborative Research and Technology Alliances (AB7) support partnerships between Army labs, industry, and academia to accelerate the transition of innovative technologies to the Warfighter. These alliances address a wide range of topics, including cyber security, the Internet of Battlefield Things, distributed intelligent systems, neuroergonomics, advanced materials, quantum technologies, semiconductor modeling, convergent manufacturing, autonomous maneuver, and artificial intelligence.

Notable initiatives include the Distributed Collaborative Intelligent Systems Technology CTA, which advances multi-robot collaboration and mission planning; the Army Artificial Intelligence Innovation Institute (A2I2), which focuses on AI/ML for autonomous maneuver and command and control; and the Army Advanced Energetics Center, which seeks disruptive energetic materials for greater lethality and range.

Army Educational Outreach Program (AB8) is dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education among elementary, middle, high school, and undergraduate students. The program provides Army-sponsored research experiences, competitions, internships, and practical opportunities at Army laboratories, aiming to increase student and teacher engagement in STEM and expose them to Department of Defense career paths.

The AEOP also includes targeted efforts to reach military-affiliated communities and supports career development through internships and fellowships, strengthening the national pool of STEM talent for the Army and defense industry.

International Science and Technology (AC6) funds the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) International Technology Centers (ITCs) and the Foreign Technology (and Science) Assessment Support (FTAS) program. The ITCs, located globally, scout for promising basic research at foreign universities and provide seed funding for discoveries that align with Army modernization priorities.

The FTAS program assesses unique foreign technologies identified by ITCs, supporting early-stage research collaborations and technology assessments that could benefit the Army's science and technology strategy.

University and Industry Initiatives (J13) are funded through congressional interest items and support targeted research in areas such as renewable energy technologies, biotechnology advancements, materials in extreme dynamic environments, quantum and photonics research, and connected vehicle cybersecurity. These initiatives are designed to address emerging technology challenges and opportunities identified by Congress, supplementing the Army's core research objectives with focused investments in high-priority areas.