The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the class of 2025 Laboratory-University Collaboration Initiative (LUCI) fellows. This group comprises 20 researchers from defense laboratories who will collaborate with leading academic researchers funded by the DoD. These collaborations are eligible for up to $200,000 annually for three years.
The LUCI program, managed by the basic research office, aims to enhance cooperation between DoD laboratory scientists and university scientists in key defense research areas. These areas include applied mathematics, cognitive neuroscience, engineering biology, novel materials, quantum information science, and manufacturing science.
Dr. Jean-Luc Cambier, director of technical research programs in the Basic Research Office, stated: "The LUCI fellowship is an investment that empowers our scientists to push the boundaries of discovery while building strong ties with the academic community." He added that it offers researchers a chance to engage in exploratory research and pursue transformative ideas that bolster the department's scientific foundation.
The selection process involved input from program officers across different military branches and senior leaders from the Basic Research Office. Out of 59 initial proposals, 22 were shortlisted based on their potential for innovative research. After a thorough interview phase, 14 projects were chosen to represent the 2025 LUCI cohort.
These projects cover diverse topics such as soft materials and multiscale structures, electronics and quantum materials, networks and artificial intelligence (AI), bio-engineering fundamentals, quantum information science, and applied mathematics.
For more details about LUCI, visit their official website.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering serves as the Chief Technology Officer of the DoD. The office supports research efforts to maintain technological superiority for the U.S. military.
