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 Maryland, College Park received a $723,657 grant award from a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center, with a completion date of November 30, 2027. The award supports a balanced science program focused on discipline-specific research guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, aligned with federal administration priorities and congressional direction. The institution will serve as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, conducting scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery in emerging cross-disciplinary fields and developing applied programs in earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.

This grant reflects the University of Maryland's established role as a research-intensive land-grant institution with demonstrated capabilities across multiple scientific domains. As a civilian agency grant rather than a defense-related contract, this award supports fundamental and applied research that advances national objectives in space exploration and earth science. The institution brings substantial infrastructure and faculty expertise to federal research priorities, with no set-aside designation applied, indicating award through open competitive processes. The work will be performed at the university's College Park, Maryland campus through its Office of Research Administration & Advancement.

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.