Diversifying UW’s research portfolio with federal defense, cybersecurity projects

The strategic pivot is coordinated by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of University Relations, which includes the university’s federal relations and business engagement arms.

The defense department’s research interests are broad — from cybersecurity and quantum computing to food security and disease detection and treatment. Vice Chancellor for Research Dorota Brzezińska is confident that UW is well positioned to attract new investment from the agency, even in areas where a connection to military applications may not be obvious. She pointed to GPS systems as one example of a civilian application that originated with DoD-sponsored research. The UW School of Medicine and Public Health already has several large DoD-funded projects that could result in improved outcomes for prostate cancer patients and people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lupus and severe limb injuries.

“All the conditions needed for success with DoD funding opportunities are present at our school,” says Dr. Nita Ahuja, dean of the school. “We have research teams with deep expertise in areas prioritized by the DoD, a track record of successfully funded projects and proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and deliver results.”

Read more about the effort to establish closer research ties with DoD