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 Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) was awarded a $537,442 research grant by a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center, with an ultimate completion date of August 31, 2029. This grant, awarded on September 1, 2025, supports UAF's execution of a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as administration priorities and congressional direction. The research initiative emphasizes UAF's role as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while also advancing discovery in emerging cross-disciplinary fields and developing applied programs in Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.

The grant will be performed at UAF's Fairbanks, Alaska location and includes a specific focus on exceptional events affecting air quality and public health at northern high latitudes—a research area well-suited to UAF's recognized expertise in Arctic and sub-Arctic studies. As a comprehensive public research university and Alaska's flagship land, sea, and space grant institution, UAF brings substantial institutional capacity and specialized facilities to this initiative. The award was made without set-aside designation, reflecting UAF's status as a state-controlled educational institution, and represents continued investment in the university's research capabilities across climate science, environmental monitoring, and space exploration technologies.

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