ASCENDR Research - Advancing research impact through
defense-aligned innovation and mentorship

The HSRU Consortium for DOD Research and STEM Graduate
Pathways is a nationally coordinated initiative led by the Alliance
of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) in partnership with
the Department of Defense (DOD). This initiative brings together 25
R1-designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions to strengthen the nation’s
scientific and technical workforce in alignment with defense research
priorities. HSRU is pleased to announce the official launch of the ASCENDR Research
Competitive Grant Program as part of the Advancing STEM Careers through
Education, Networking, and Development + Research (ASCENDR) initiative.

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

• 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 ASCENDR Leadership: Faculty selected for
  ASCENDR Research must commit to full participation in the ASCENDR Leadership
  program.

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

• 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, defined
  as U.S. born or U.S. Naturalized Citizen, to participate.
• 
  
  The Principal Investigator and Co-PIs must agree to jointly
  participate in the ASCENDR
  Leadership Program.