DOD Announces Additional Funding for Science and Tech Research

On Tuesday, the Department of Defense announced $3.6 million in funding to be awarded to 34 career researchers to pursue studies across a variety of scientific disciplines.

Eligible researchers for the Supplemental Support for Research Trainees funding are in the early stages of their careers. 54 applicants were evaluated by Defense agencies like the Army Research Office, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Office of Naval Research.

The grants will focus on scientific and technological research to accelerate the development of a scientific workforce. 

“DoD basic research funding serves to train and develop the next generation of creative and far-thinking U.S. researchers,” said Bindu Nair, director of the Basic Research Office within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “The pandemic has severely disrupted career paths, and we are proud to make these funds available to trainees as they prepare to launch their research careers in support of national security needs.”

The funding will go toward 25 doctorate programs and nine postdoctoral fellows at U.S. schools for one year. 

The initiative, which will add funds to existing DOD grant programs, is largely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as officials say it has disrupted the typical research-talent pipeline.