ARLINGTON, Va.—The Office of Naval Research (ONR), Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have entered into an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) to encourage and strengthen studies in the scientific disciplines. The agreement, signed July 31, recognizes the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)—including the role of artificial intelligence (AI)—to the U.S. Navy and the nation.
“The Naval Research Enterprise works closely with leading minds in academia and industry to serve our Sailors and Marines,” said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. David Hahn. “CMU is recognized as a world leader in AI, and we look forward to partnering with them to build the A-plus team that will tackle our future challenges.”
A primary focus of the new EPA is to cultivate student interest and expertise in STEM-related disciplines. This agreement will provide unique opportunities for CMU students to become aware of, and collaborate in, the many disciplines associated with all aspects of AI—for example, as it applies to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR)—from concept, through development, and into implementation and testing.
The initial agreement will last up to five years and enable CMU students and employees to enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment—and new innovative, technological methods.
Benefits to ONR and NRL include enhanced perspectives through exposure to the ideas of the academic community; the opportunity to identify mutually beneficial areas of endeavor; and partnering in the education and professional development of future scientists and engineers.
ONR and CMU also recently co-sponsored an “AI and Autonomy for HA/DR” workshop. This brought together a community of academic, industry and government experts to speed up the development of new AI and autonomous capabilities in support of HA/DR missions.
“This agreement builds a foundation for expanded collaborations between NRL and CMU, especially in the rapidly developing discipline of artificial intelligence,” said Capt. Scott Moran, NRL commanding officer. “Access to NRL personnel and facilities will provide unique opportunities for CMU students and faculty to develop, implement and test technologies focused on Navy needs. Furthermore, NRL researchers will benefit from opportunities to leverage CMU's world-renowned expertise in this field.”
Daniel Parry is a writer for U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs.