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 Washington University, through its Office of Sponsored Research Services, was awarded a $79,000 research grant by a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center on September 11, 2024, with completion targeted for September 10, 2026. This non-set-aside grant supports the execution of a balanced science program aligned with discipline-specific guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as administrative priorities and congressional direction. The university will serve as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, conducting scientific research focused on the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery in emerging fields through cross-disciplinary collaboration between traditional science domains.

In addition to the core research objectives, Washington University will develop a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs encompassing Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. The award reflects the university's substantial capacity to execute complex federal research contracts, as evidenced by its extensive portfolio of grants and contracts across multiple federal agencies including NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation, with project values ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars across diverse scientific disciplines.

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.