Project Grant 2039857

The National Science Foundation awarded a $999,984 Project Grant to the University of Delaware under the Engineering federal grant program (CFDA 47.041). The grant will fund a research project from August 2021 through July 2026 to characterize the global illicit trade in energy-critical materials using machine learning, remote sensing, and qualitative research methods. The University of Delaware will deliver data and analysis on illicit trade networks and supply chains involving energy-critical materials to help inform policymaking aimed at ensuring secure access to these important resources. The project aligns with the Engineering program's goals of fostering innovation in engineering research areas critical to U.S. economic and technological competitiveness.