Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University have entered into a new agreement to advance research in dual-use technologies — innovations developed to address national security challenges that also create broad benefits for society. Both universities are members of Research Universities for Michigan, or RU4M, an alliance of Michigan’s four R1 public research universities that also includes the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
“No single institution can address today’s most complex national security challenges alone,” said Shashank Priya, vice president for research and innovation at MSU. “By combining the strengths of Michigan State and Michigan Tech, we can accelerate the development of dual-use technologies with applications that extend from national security to health, energy, manufacturing and other sectors that shape daily life. This collaboration aligns closely with Michigan State’s National Security Initiative and our commitment to advancing research that serves both the nation and the public good.”
“Some of the technologies we rely on every day began as solutions to national security challenges. The internet, GPS, broadband wireless communications, advanced semiconductor technologies, memory foam and autonomous systems are all examples of innovations that have improved lives far beyond their original applications,” said Andrew Barnard, vice president for research at Michigan Tech. “Through this agreement, Michigan Tech and Michigan State are creating new opportunities to advance the next generation of dual-use technologies.”