ASCENDR Research
Advancing research impact through defense-aligned innovation and mentorship.
The ASCENDR 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
- Funding for Defense-Aligned Research: Up to $200,000 per award to support one-year research projects.
- Graduate Student Integration: Required inclusion of at least one Graduate Research Assistant, reinforcing the DOD-aligned STEM talent pipeline.
- Participation in ASCENDR Leadership: A dual research and leadership development model, with all PIs and Co-PIs participating in the ASCENDᴿ Leadership Program.
- Pathway to Future DoD Funding: A structured pathway toward future external DoD funding and expanded national security partnerships.
Research Focus Areas
Initial research topics are informed by the U.S. National Defense Science and Technology Strategy. Focus areas for the 2026-27 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
The proposal must originate from an HSRU member institution in good standing.
- Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator(s) must be a Research Faculty member or Tenure/Tenure Track Faculty member that is early to mid-career, defined as within the first 8 years of their professional career.
- The Principal Investigator must hire and integrate at least one Graduate Research Assistant for this project. The graduate assistant must be enrolled at the start of the project and maintain enrollment eligibility throughout the proposed project.
- All PIs, Co-PIs, and the graduate assistant working on this project must be U.S. Persons, defined as U.S. born or U.S. Naturalized Citizen.
- The Principal Investigator and Co-PIs must agree to jointly participate in the ASCENDR Leadership Program.
How to Apply
The Request for Proposals (RFP) has been released to HSRU Alliance member institutions, and institutions may now begin their internal nomination process. Each institution is limited to
two submissions. Applications must be submitted through the
HSRU InfoReady portal by the
designated individual authorized by the member institution after the internal competition is complete.
For Interested Faculty: - Contact your institution’s research office for details on internal timelines, eligibility requirements, and submission procedures.
Key Dates
- Full Proposals Due: 27 February 2026 11:59 PM EST
- Anticipated Award Announcement: May 2026
- Anticipated Cohort Start Date: 16 August 2026
Information Sessions
ASCENDR Research Information Session:
December 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST
Information Session SLIDESFrequently Asked Questions
This FAQ library is updated as questions are received. Last updated: 12.10.2025.
How do selected projects submit their final proposals?
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This is a limited‑submissions program. Following internal nominations, the institution’s Sponsored Programs/Research Administration office sends the InfoReady link to the authorized submitter. Contact your Research Office for internal procedures and deadlines.
Who must meet the "U.S. Person" eligibility requirement, and how is it defined?
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All PIs, Co-PIs, and graduate assistants must be U.S. Persons, defined as U.S.-born or U.S.-naturalized citizens. Permanent residents are not eligible.
How is the eight-year experience eligibility window calculated? Does time in industry count?
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Eligibility is based on eight years of cumulative professional research experience, including time in academia and industry. The intent is to support early career faculty; applicants slightly over eight years (e.g., ~9 years total) may still be eligible, while individuals with extensive prior experience (e.g., decades in industry) would generally not be considered early career even if new to academia.
Do Co-PIs also need to be within eight years of the start of their professional career?
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Yes. The same early-career eligibility requirement applies to both the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).
Should proposals include indirect costs (IDCs/F&A)?
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Yes. Indirect costs should be calculated using the institution’s federally approved rate at the time of submission.
Can PIs purchase equipment with grant funds?
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Purchase of large capital equipment is not allowed. However, non-capital equipment and supplies necessary for the project are permitted.
How will funds be awarded?
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The program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) however, the awards will be issued by the HSRU Alliance. Please coordinate with your institution’s Sponsored Programs/Research Administration office to determine the appropriate unit to manage the award.
Are collaborations with industry partners allowed?
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Yes, collaborations with industry partners are allowed. However, it is not recommended that industry representatives serve as Co-PIs, as the leadership program is designed specifically for faculty development.
Who reviews the proposals, and what is their expertise?
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Reviewers will be nominated by member institutions and selected for subject‑matter expertise in the relevant technical areas. They will follow a standard rubric, observe confidentiality and conflict‑of‑interest policies, and provide recommendations that inform final award decisions.
Do CMMC compliance requirements apply to awards?
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No. CMMC does not apply to this award. We recommend you consult your institution’s Office of Sponsored Programs/Research Administration and Information Security for any internal or data-specific requirements.
Contact Us
Have questions about this program or want to explore collaboration opportunities? Contact us at hsru@utep.edu.
