North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University will serve as an international leader of engineering research thanks to a prestigious grant awarded by the National Science Foundation.

As a recipient of NSF’s Engineering Research Center (ERC) grant, the Greensboro university will receive $18.5 million over the next five years to develop new technologies that will compliment health care services and advocate for the production of more engineering graduates. North Carolina A&T State is the first historically Black college to lead this type of NSF initiative.

Dr. Jagnnathan Sankar, the university’s Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering who will serve as director of the program, adds that the award marks an important achievement for the university and the community.

The NSF has awarded 49 ERC grants since the program’s inception in 1985. Following North Carolina State and Duke universities, A&T is the third university in North Carolina to receive the ERC honor, according to recent reports. However, the ERC for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials at A&T will focus on three engineered systems: craniofacial and orthopedic applications, cardiovascular devices, and responsive biosensors for implants.

Officials say this research may have a significant impact on craniofacial and orthopedic treatments and may also help children who are born with birth defects, injured veterans, and others who have considerable bone damage.

School officials also note they are in discussions to build a new state-of-the-art building that will house the research center. Construction is slated to begin in upcoming years depending on state funding.

Additionally, the university has launched a new Department of Bioengineering that will work in partnership with the ERC. In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Cincinnati, the department will offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in bioengineering.