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 Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, operating as University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), received a $2.25M research grant from a civilian federal agency with an ultimate completion date of February 6, 2028. This award supports a balanced science program aligned with National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine guidance, administration priorities, and congressional direction. The program emphasizes scientific research related to lunar, orbital, and Mars exploration initiatives, with particular focus on advancing discovery in emerging cross-disciplinary fields and developing user-focused applied programs in areas including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. The grant is unclassified as to set-aside designation and reflects UNR's established capability as Nevada's primary research university to deliver comprehensive federal research support.

As a 1862 land-grant institution, UNR brings extensive experience executing federally-funded research across multiple scientific domains, including recent work with the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, and the Department of Energy. The university's portfolio demonstrates particular strength in space exploration research, environmental science, engineering innovation, and programs incorporating significant educational and workforce development components. This grant positioning UNR as a key partner in the federal government's exploration initiative leverages the institution's demonstrated track record of delivering mission-critical research and technical services across federal agencies while supporting graduate student training and STEM engagement objectives.

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