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's Office of Research Administration & Advancement received a $740,676 grant award from a civilian federal agency on December 4, 2024, with a completion date of December 3, 2027. The grant supports execution of a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and congressional direction. The university will serve 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 cross-disciplinary fields. Additionally, the university will develop a target user-focused approach to applied programs including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. No set-aside designation applies to this award.

This grant reflects the University of Maryland's established role as a research-intensive institution conducting extensive federal-funded work across multiple scientific domains. The university's track record includes substantial prior awards from the National Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies, spanning quantum computing, artificial intelligence, biomedical research, and environmental monitoring. The current award positions the institution to contribute its demonstrated research infrastructure and multidisciplinary faculty expertise to advance national priorities in space exploration and emerging science fields through the completion of 2027.

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