Building a HBCU/MI Consortium and Collaboration with AFC/DEVCOM

The U.S. Army Science and Technology enterprise comprises multiple research centers distributed nationally, employing a large civilian workforce of world-class scientists, engineers, analysts, technicians, and support staff. The workforce is focused on empowering America’s future soldiers and ensuring the country’s defense and security.

Underutilized in this Army S&T enterprise is the vast talent pool of historically black colleges and universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI). The FY23 National Defense Authorization Act directs the Department of the Army to strengthen the defense research capacity of HBCU/MI institutions through long-term partnerships focused on building research capacity and capabilities in areas of research.

To promote this effort, a workshop will be held on March 11-12, 2024, at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering campus in Greensboro, NC. Participants include various Army research centers/labs and a broad collection of HBCU/MI institutions.\

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Eric Moore, Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat
  Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)
• Dr. Travis King, Director of Basic Research, Office of the DASA (R&T)

Workshop Topics Include:

• Building Defense Research Capacity at HBCU/MI – National Academies Report
• Vision: Collaboration between Army Centers/Labs and HBCU/MI Consortium
• Introduction to Army Centers/Labs
• Panel Discussion: Partnering with Army Centers/Labs
• HBCU/MI Panel – Defense Research Capacities at HBCUs
• Army Funding Opportunities for HBCU/MI
• Engaging with National Manufacturing Innovation Institutes
• Consortium Planning and Army Collaboration Discussion