Defense Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions : Transitioning from Good Intentions to Measurable Outcomes

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority institutions (MIs) represent a valuable resource to expand the Department of Defense's (DoD) government and extramural workforce and science and technology enterprise. The more than 400 public and private HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other two- and four-year MIs are positioned to make strong and uniquely important contributions to the defense research enterprise, offering DoD an opportunity to widen its talent pool and diversify STEM research and ultimately strengthen its ability to support national security. Defense Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions examines the status of DoD research at HBCUs and MIs, including the methods and means necessary to advance research capacity at these institutions in order to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States. This report offers recommendations to guide DoD, Congress, HBCU/MIs, and partnering entities in supporting and strengthening the role of these institutions in defense research. A strategic commitment will translate into increased opportunities for HBCU/MIs to diversify the future American academic, industrial, and government STEM workforce upon which DoD will depend. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 The Research Spectrum of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions3 Department of Defense Investments in STEM Research at Institutions of Higher Education4 DoD Investments and Capacity-Strengthening at Institutions of Higher Education5 Promising Practices and Challenges for Successfully Competing for DoD Research Funding and Workforce Development Support6 ConclusionAppendix A: Statement of TaskAppendix B: Committee BiographiesAppendix C: Open Session AgendasAppendix D: Interim List of Two- and Four-Year HBCUs and Other Minority InstitutionsAppendix E: DoD HBCU/MI "Roadside Assistance"Appendix F: Maps of HBCU/MIs and DoD-sponsored Research LaboratoriesAppendix G: Summary of Data Processing Steps for Findings on DoD Funding of Institutions of Higher Education for Fiscal Years 20102020Appendix H: Data to Support Committee's R&D-Capable Institutions Analysis (see Chapter 4 for discussion)Appendix I: Overhead RatesAppendix J: Average Square Footage of Science and Engineering Facilities at DoD-Funded Academic Institutions for FY 2019Appendix K: Executive Summary: Building Capacity for Defense Research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority InstitutionsAppendix L: National Science Foundation Data on Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities