Cooperative agreements are awarded to nonprofit institutions of higher education under the competitive academic agreement program (caap)

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi received a $902,544 Cooperative Agreement from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP), CFDA 20.724, awarded September 30, 2025. The project, titled "Human-Centered HMI Protocol Development for Pipeline Control Rooms Using a Functional Digital Twin Technology," will be conducted through the Division of Research & Innovation in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a completion date of September 29, 2027.

This research initiative will develop and validate human-machine interface (HMI) protocols for pipeline control room operations utilizing digital twin technology to enhance pipeline safety and reduce human error. As a cooperative agreement under CAAP, the project is designed to advance high-risk, high-payoff innovative solutions that address critical pipeline safety challenges. Upon successful validation, the research outcomes are intended to transition into PHMSA's core research program for potential nationwide deployment across the nation's pipeline infrastructure. The award mandates student involvement in the research activities consistent with CAAP program requirements to foster academic engagement in pipeline safety innovation.

Grant funding is used to research innovative solutions in various pipeline safety topic areas, that are expected to benefit the entire nation by enhancing pipeline safety. No known subrecipients ''human-centered HMI protocol development for pipeline control rooms using a functional digital twin technology.''