University Research Initiatives

PE 0601103N: University Research Initiatives is a program element managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) under the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The primary goal of this program is to ensure the technological advantage of U.S. Naval forces by fostering basic scientific research in partnership with academic institutions. The program supports multidisciplinary research, acquisition of advanced research instrumentation, and development of future science and engineering workforce. These efforts are aimed at maintaining naval superiority and national security. Research funded under this program typically falls within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 and 2, focusing on fundamental knowledge and concept formulation without immediate application.

The Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) provides funding to universities for the purchase of high-cost research instrumentation essential for conducting cutting-edge, Navy-relevant research. Grants are awarded through a competitive process managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). The program is designed to enhance university research infrastructure, enabling academic institutions to perform high-quality research that supports ONR's basic research objectives. DURIP awards are typically completed within a single fiscal year, with universities required to purchase and take delivery of instrumentation before billing.

The Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) supports teams of researchers from multiple universities investigating high-priority topics that intersect more than one traditional technical discipline. MURI projects are multi-year research grants addressing complex scientific challenges relevant to Naval Science and Technology (S&T) priorities. The program aims to stimulate innovation, accelerate research progress, and facilitate the transition of basic research results into practical naval applications. MURI also serves as a training ground for graduate students, promoting cross-disciplinary approaches in science and engineering fields critical to the Department of Defense (DoD).

The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) recognizes and supports outstanding academic scientists and engineers in the early stages of their research careers. PECASE awards are highly competitive, single-investigator research grants focusing on areas of vital importance to the Navy. The program is overseen by OSD, with nominations reviewed by ONR, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. PECASE aims to foster leadership and innovation at the frontiers of scientific knowledge in fields relevant to naval missions.

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher (GSPR) Support is dedicated to developing the future R&D workforce for the Navy and DoD. The program provides support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows engaged in basic research activities in high-priority naval STEM disciplines. GSPR participants gain valuable experience conducting research in areas such as command and control, ocean sensing, sea warfare, warfighter performance, and air warfare. The objective is to ensure a pipeline of skilled researchers and engineers capable of addressing future naval challenges.

Congressional Adds within PE 0601103N represent specific research and development priorities directed by Congress. For FY 2025, these include initiatives such as the Next Generation Real-Time Digital RADAR system development, highly digital airborne RADAR, and processing and networking of distributed digital radar systems. Congressional Adds have also supported the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program, enabling the purchase of instrumentation for fundamental research at U.S. universities. These targeted investments address emerging technological needs and supplement the broader objectives of the University Research Initiatives program.