The U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (DEVCOM GVSC) have partnered to issue a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) seeking proposals to advance cutting-edge scientific discovery, provide technological innovation and transition knowledge products to empower U.S. Army capabilities.
Proposers should tailor their use-inspired research and translation projects towards national security and/or national defense.
This DCL specifically seeks projects that are aligned with six core competencies: survivability and protection; robotics and autonomy; power and mobility; additive manufacturing; fuel and lubricants; and modeling, simulation and software development. In addition, projects should deliver on DEVCOM GVSC research initiatives and work toward developing, integrating, enhancing and sustaining DEVCOM GVSC capabilities to support U.S. Army modernization priorities and improve readiness.
"We look forward to supporting the U.S. Army and providing pathways to innovation to secure our nation's defense," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "This opportunity underscores how essential science and technology advancements are to our nation, not only for global competitiveness but for national security as well."
The DEVCOM GVSC funding opportunity is offered through the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, which recently launched the new Translation to Practice (NSF TTP) program. Projects should:
"Through this collaboration with NSF, we are building a pathway to accelerate the maturation and transition of innovative fundamental research that shortens technology development timelines and delivers critical capabilities to the soldier faster," said David Gorsich, chief scientist for U.S. Army DEVCOM GVSC.
The NSF TTP program will consider proposals that are responsive to the core competencies and interests of the DEVCOM GVSC across all three tracks of the NSF TTP program solicitation.
To learn more about this funding opportunity, view the full DCL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The funding opportunity is offered through the new Translation to Practice (NSF TTP) program, led by the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP). The NSF TTP program aims to invest in use-inspired research, translational activities and partnerships that turn scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Researchers can participate in a wide range of translational activities, including but not limited to preparing and testing prototypes, protecting intellectual property, launching commercial activities, participating in open-source ecosystems, developing research standards, forming partnerships, and/or facilitating licensing and/or industry adoption.
"Together, NSF and the U.S. Navy are working to advance national security research and strengthen our national defense," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for NSF TIP. "At the core of that work is accelerating the critical research and ideas that can help keep our country safe, secure and globally competitive."
The DCL requests that submitted proposals should align with NSWCDD research initiatives and work towards developing, testing, evaluating, integrating, enhancing and/or sustaining complex naval warfare systems, including:
Additionally, the TTP program will consider proposals that are responsive to the core competencies and interests of NSWCDD across all three tracks of the program solicitation. The three TTP program tracks are:
To learn more about this funding opportunity, view the full DCL.
]]>A LIVE online conversation on racial healing, cultural resilience, and youth leadership in Baltimore and beyond.
honour the intention of the Day of Racial Healing by creating space for reflection + action: exploring how racial healing plays out at individual, community, institutional, and generational levels.
elevate the lived experience of young people in West Baltimore alongside seasoned leaders, underscoring that healing and transformation require all voices working together.
highlight the intersection of arts, health equity, and higher education as strategies for racial healing and community flourishing.
generate tangible next steps: commitments, resource sharing, connection building among participants.
Please note that the Office of Graduate Student Life (Commons 308) is closed today due to ongoing construction in the area.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Regular operations will resume once construction is complete.
For updates or questions, please check myUMBC.
]]>Applications for the 2026 free AI4ALL Ignite summer program are now open. It is a free virtual career accelerator designed to prepare undergraduate students—particularly those from communities historically excluded from the tech industry—for professional roles in AI.
Over the summer, participants work in small teams to build a comprehensive AI portfolio project under the guidance of industry mentors, allowing them to apply technical skills to real-world problems. The program also provides career readiness training, including resume reviews, technical interview preparation, and direct networking opportunities with corporate recruiters.
In the program, which starts on May 12 and ends on October 15, students will:
Get more information and apply here. The deadline to apply has been extended to 11:59 pm. Monday, April 20th.
]]>Learn from an industry insider about loan approval process for Postdocs. Covering the basic requirement, to in depth income and visa requirements.
Speaker: Sam Hogan, senior loan officer, Truist Bank
Senior loan officer with Truist Bank, Hogan has been helping early to late career doctoral students since 2019. Has firsthand experience helping the doctoral/postdoc community secure mortgage loan approvals on non-typical stipend/ fellowship income. A long time Virginia resident, his wife Kelly and son Grant live on Liberty Loom Farm Nokesville VA. They have four alpacas, and an Alaskan husky, Zoe. Summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2023 - 19,340 ft.