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 was awarded a $1.49M research grant by a civilian federal agency (Shared Services Center) on December 11, 2024, with performance completion targeted for December 10, 2027. The grant supports a balanced science program aligned with National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine guidance, administration priorities, and Congressional direction. Primary deliverables include participation as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery in emerging interdisciplinary fields and developing applied programs in Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. The award carries no set-aside designation and will be performed at UMD's College Park, Maryland campus.

As a research-intensive institution and 1862 land-grant university, UMD brings substantial capabilities to this engagement, having previously executed complex research and development contracts across multiple federal agencies including NASA, Department of Defense, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The university's track record demonstrates expertise in space exploration, advanced materials research, quantum computing, and scientific research spanning fundamental and applied domains. This grant positions UMD to contribute significantly to the agency's long-term exploration objectives while fostering cross-disciplinary innovation and supporting critical national research priorities.

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