UDM joins statewide technology and research Consortium

University of Detroit Mercy has joined several other top Michigan universities in an initiative designed to strengthen U.S. national security through research, technology development and workforce training.

The Consortium will work with federal and state organizations on research in critical areas like autonomy, energy resilience, advanced manufacturing, cyber-secure operations and others. It will also serve as a pipeline to create technical talent for the federal workforce to supporting the next generation of engineers and scientists in tackling the nation’s most pressing defense challenges.

“This Consortium is unique because it unites universities that are deeply committed to applied research, student-centered learning, and close collaboration with industry and government partners,” said Katy Snyder, dean of the College of Engineering & Science. “Together, we are creating a model for innovation that not only addresses urgent national security challenges but also helps make Michigan a recognized leader in both cutting-edge research and the development of the technical talent.”

Other Consortium members currently include Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, Kettering University and Lawrence Technological University.

Executive Director of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation John T. Gutierrez said the Consortium will allow Michigan to be more competitive when seeking federal investment.

“It puts us on a clear path toward a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designation,” Gutierrez said. “Achieving UARC status would elevate Michigan into an elite tier of universities nationally recognized by the Department of Defense as trusted partners for sensitive, high-priority research. That means stable, long-term federal investment, stronger economic development and a pipeline of high-paying technical jobs here at home.”

For more information about the Consortium, visit cmurc.com/cens.