ARLINGTON, Va.—The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will honor more than 500 Young Investigator Program (YIP) awardees, including this year’s 17 recipients, during the 25th anniversary celebration Oct. 15 at the Navy’s science and technology provider’s headquarters.
It’s been more than two decades since ONR established YIP to restore the Navy’s pre-eminence as a sponsor of basic scientific research and technology. Since then, the YIP recipients’ work has produced game-changing research in such areas as nanoscience, fiber-laser systems and ultrafast optoelectronic devices.
“These Young Investigators represent some of America’s brightest minds, and their work is central to our future technical prominence. By investing in their basic research, the Navy is placing big bets on up-and-coming scientists,” said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr. “We want ONR to be the sponsor of choice for scientists and engineers when they are shopping their new and good ideas.”
For Dr. Ting Xu, YIP was a critical first step in establishing her research portfolio in materials science and engineering.
“The support allowed me to accelerate my career,” said Xu, a 2009 recipient. Xu, who started her research in 2007 during the country’s economic downturn, said the grant enabled her to obtain much-needed equipment. “It allowed us to make a meaningful contribution to this field.”
The distinguished visitors attending the celebration represent a community of university chancellors, provosts, department chairs and even a member of President Obama’s Council on Science and Technology.
YIP awardees are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes the applicant’s past performance, a creative research proposal and a long-term commitment from the recipient’s university. The program invests in academic scientists and engineers who show exceptional promise for creative study and have obtained a doctorate or equivalent degree within the past five years. The 2010 winners received a three-year research grant of up to $510,000.