Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Duke University's Office of Research Administration was awarded $103,630 by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300) effective April 1, 2026, with a completion date of March 31, 2028. The award supports the PHAB-CO (Phage Anti-Biofouling Coatings) for Marine Applications project, which represents a competitive, merit-based research initiative aligned with ONR's mission to develop advanced technology and capabilities for naval operations. The research will be conducted at Duke University's facilities in Durham, North Carolina, and falls within the program's emphasis on materials science and technology development with potential applications to marine and naval systems.

Under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program, the PHAB-CO project will advance fundamental and applied research focused on innovative coating technologies using phage-based solutions to address biofouling challenges in marine environments. This research contributes to ONR's broader objectives of delivering technological superiority and operational capability to the Navy and Marine Corps by investigating novel materials and approaches that can enhance vessel performance and reduce maintenance costs. The two-year performance period allows for comprehensive investigation and development of anti-biofouling coating solutions grounded in scientific merit and naval operational relevance.