The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Feb. 26 the selection of 11 universities that will be among partner institutions leading five new Centers of Excellence and receiving a multi-year grant of up to $2 million per year, over a period of four to six years.
“Investments in long-term, basic research are vital for the future of homeland security,” said Jay M. Cohen, under secretary for science and technology. “These colleges and universities are leaders in their fields of study. They will provide scientific expertise, high-quality resources, and independent thought – all valuable to securing America.”
Center of Excellence for Border Security and Immigration: The University of Arizona at Tucson and University of Texas at El Paso will co-lead a new center for research on balancing immigration and commerce with effective border security.
Center of Excellence for Explosives Detection, Mitigation and Response: Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I., will co-lead a new center responsible for research on the risks, costs and consequences of terrorism, as well as new means and methods to protect the nation.
Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island and Port Security: The University of Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii and Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., will co-lead a new center for research on strengthening maritime domain awareness and safeguarding populations and properties unique to U.S. islands, as well as remote and extreme environments.
Center of Excellence for Natural Disasters, Coast Infrastructure and Emergency Management: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., will co-lead a new center for research on safeguarding populations, properties, and economies in catastrophic natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, and wildfires.
Center of Excellence for Transportation Security: Texas Southern University in Houston, Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Miss., and the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Conn., will co-lead a new center for research on defending the nation’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
