AscendR Research program

ASCEND^R Research

Advancing research impact through defense-aligned innovation and mentorship.

The ASCEND^R Research Program is a competitive, faculty-led program designed to advance research that is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) science and technology priorities. Through targeted research funding, faculty across HSRU Alliance institutions will lead projects that address real-world defense challenges while engaging graduate students in meaningful research experiences. The program supports the development of innovative solutions in key technical areas and fosters deeper collaboration between academic researchers and the defense enterprise.

Program Features

Seed Funding for Defense-Aligned Research: Faculty receive up to $200,000 in seed funding to launch early-stage research projects in areas aligned with DoD priorities.
Graduate Student Integration: Projects must include a graduate student engaged in hands-on research, supported by structured faculty mentorship, and exposure to real-world defense challenges.
Collaborative Research Environment: Projects may involve interdisciplinary teams and cross-campus collaboration, fostering innovation and shared learning across the HSRU Alliance.
Participation in ASCEND^R Leadership: Faculty selected for ASCEND^R Research must commit to full participation in the ASCEND^R Leadership program.

Research Focus Areas

Initial research topics are informed by the U.S. National Defense Science and Technology Strategy. Focus areas for the 2025–26 cycle include:

Advanced Materials: Explore innovative materials and novel manufacturing techniques that enhance strength, reduce weight, and improve performance in extreme conditions to support mission-critical defense capabilities.
Human-Machine Interfaces: Advance technologies that improve human-machine teaming, including augmented and virtual reality systems that enable immersive training, intuitive controls, and real-time decision support.
Space Technology: Develop resilient and adaptive technologies for space operations, including communication, situational awareness, and on-orbit processing to support defense missions in contested environments.

Eligibility

Mid-career research or tenure track faculty members affiliated with one of the twenty-seven HSRU Alliance institutions.
At least one graduate assistant must be hired to support the proposed research.
All participants are required to be a U.S. Person to participate.

How to apply

The final Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released in late 2025, followed by a Q&A session. Proposal submissions will open soon after through our InfoReady portal. Detailed proposal instructions, eligibility criteria, and proposal requirements will be posted here once the proposal period opens.

Note: All ASCEND^R Research awardees are required to participate in the ASCEND^R Leadership Program.

Contact us

Have questions about this program or want to explore collaboration opportunities? Contact us at hsru@utep.edu.