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.…

James Madison University (JMU) was awarded a $690,607 grant on May 1, 2025, for the research project "Improving Urban Climate Simulation by Integrating Remotely Sensed High Resolution Albedo into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model." The grant, designated as solicitation 24-LCLUC24_2-0027, focuses on advancing climate and weather modeling capabilities by incorporating satellite-derived albedo data into the WRF model to enhance urban climate simulations. The work will be performed at JMU's location in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a completion deadline of April 30, 2028. No set-aside designation was applied to this award.

The grant was funded through a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center and aligns with broader government initiatives to advance discovery in cross-disciplinary scientific fields and support earth science applications. JMU, as a public research university with established federal contracting experience, is well-positioned to execute this research given its demonstrated capabilities across scientific disciplines, including environmental science and technological innovation. The project contributes to improved weather forecasting and climate understanding, particularly in urban environments, supporting federal priorities in advancing scientific research and addressing environmental challenges.

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.