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 Regents of the University of Minnesota, through its Office of Sponsored Projects Administration, was awarded a $1.18 million research grant by a civilian federal agency (identified through the Shared Services Center) on May 1, 2025, with completion targeted for April 30, 2028. This non-set-aside grant supports a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, administration priorities, and congressional direction. The award enables the university to participate 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 that bridge traditional scientific boundaries.

The grant also mandates development of a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs encompassing Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. As a 1862 land-grant research institution with extensive federal contracting experience across multiple agencies and scientific domains, the University of Minnesota is well-positioned to execute this complex, multifaceted research portfolio. The work will be performed at the university's Minneapolis campus and leverages the institution's demonstrated capabilities in delivering federally funded research spanning basic scientific exploration to applied research with national strategic importance.

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.