The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has announced a major award of $72 million over three years to a consortium of higher education institutions and other organizations for the new Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) II center.
The GESTAR II consortium, which is being led by the University of Maryland Baltimore County in partnership with historically Black Morgan State University in Baltimore, will support 120 affiliated researchers, creating extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in Earth and atmospheric science research. Morgan State University will receive $28 million in funding over the three-year period.
“The collaboration between Morgan and UMBC serves as a model for how two high-research universities, operating in a highly competitive space, can join in common purpose, pooling intellectual capital, resources and expertise for the greater advancement of science and technology,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We appreciate the opportunity to continue the important work we began with the GESTAR program and partner with an institution that shares our commitment to STEM research. A partnership of this consequence not only benefits both universities but delivers marked return on investment benefiting our state and nation.”
Colorado State University, Arizona State University, and Pennsylvania State University will also contribute as partners in the program, along with Northrop Grumman Corporation, Earth Resources Technology, Inc., and the nonprofit Southeastern Universities Research Association. Participants will carry out observational, experimental, and theoretical research in support of strategic mission objectives of NASA Earth Science.
