University Research Initiatives

The University Research Initiatives program, under the U.S. Space Force, is designed to support defense-related basic research across various scientific and engineering disciplines. Its primary goal is to maintain U.S. military technology superiority by focusing on revolutionary and high-priority technologies critical to the Space Force's core technical competencies. These competencies include Space Security, Combat Power Projection, Space Mobility and Logistics, Information Mobility, and Space Domain Awareness. The initiative also aims to enhance the education of U.S. scientists and engineers in fields crucial for advancing future defense technologies.

A key objective of the program is to assist universities in establishing superior instrumentation capabilities that improve the quality of defense-related research and education. This involves awarding competitive research grants to U.S. universities for projects that significantly expand basic knowledge in areas relevant to the Department of the Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. The focus is on complex research efforts requiring coordinated multi- and interdisciplinary approaches, which are not typically achievable through smaller, single-investigator awards.

The program includes a component dedicated to enhancing scientific and engineering research through advanced educational infrastructure and instrumentation at U.S. universities. This is achieved through grants for acquiring state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, aiming to bolster research and educational capabilities related to space-unique challenges faced by the U.S. Space Force.

The University Research Initiatives program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions to foster innovation in defense technologies while ensuring alignment with national security needs. By harmonizing efforts through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee process, it seeks to eliminate duplication and optimize resource allocation for maximum impact in advancing space-domain research initiatives.