Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress.…

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) has been awarded a $38,336 research grant by a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center, with an ultimate completion date of May 31, 2026. This grant supports UCSC's execution of a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, administration priorities, and Congressional direction. The work encompasses participation in the agency's exploration initiative, with emphasis on scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while also advancing discovery in emerging cross-disciplinary fields that bridge traditional scientific domains.

The grant further mandates development of a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs, including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and 1862 Land Grant College with extensive federal research capabilities, UCSC is well-positioned to deliver this work from its Santa Cruz, California location. No set-aside designation was applied to this award, reflecting the university's broad research qualifications across multiple scientific and technological domains.

Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress. Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agency s exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research of, on, and from the moon, lunar orbit, mars, and beyond. Advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines develop a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs, including earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness