DARPA young faculty award 2026 - spark: scattering, plasma absorption, and radiation knowledge-base

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), operating under the Department of the Interior Departmental Offices Interior Business Center, awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $250,000 to Northwestern University on September 1, 2026, for the DARPA Young Faculty Award 2026 program entitled "SPARK: Scattering, Plasma Absorption, and Radiation Knowledge-Base" under the Research and Technology Development assistance listing (CFDA 12.910).

The award supports basic, applied, or advanced research in science and technology areas with potential military or dual-use application, with work performed at Northwestern University's Evanston, Illinois campus. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. Northwestern University's Sponsored Research Division is the recipient organization.

The Research and Technology Development program funds competitive research proposals at educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and commercial firms to advance the state of the art or achieve fundamental technological change. Award decisions are based on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA mission, organizational capability and experience, technology transition planning, and cost realism.