The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $473,439 Project Grant under the Integrative Activities (CFDA 47.083) program to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to develop a state-of-the-art Geospace and Middle Atmosphere Lidar (GEOMAL) system. This advanced laser radar system will be installed at the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska to support innovative research in polar geospace and middle atmosphere science. Key capabilities of the GEOMAL system include measuring atmospheric density, temperature, aerosols, water vapor, and cloud properties from 30-100 km altitudes. The research enabled by this new lidar will facilitate academic growth of early-career faculty and training of next-generation scientists at UAF, a minority-serving institution. The award period runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027.