Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)

Bridging foundational academic research and strategic innovation for the Defense enterprise, the Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE) will facilitate deep transdisciplinary collaborations among top-tier scholars, informed by defense strategists, that will transform rigorous and blue-sky research into breakthrough national security solutions and build a deep and lasting relationship between academia, foundations, international partners, industry and venture capital, and the DoW.

The awardee will support technology scouting and transition, as well as collaboration activities that accelerate innovation and improve mission effectiveness. The awardee will also conduct and enable transdisciplinary research, bridging academic disciplines and industry and societal stakeholders to address complex, real-world challenges. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct technology scouting and market research (as authorized) to maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging capabilities, and innovation opportunities; provide summaries and recommendations.
• Support concept incubation, prototyping pathways, pilot planning, and technology transition activities, including transition criteria and adoption planning.
• Support industry/university/government engagement, collaboration forums, and coordination activities, as directed, including workforce development support activities where applicable.
• Investigate new and transdisciplinary approaches to basic and exploratory research to transform how fundamental research and partnerships can drive toward more assured outcomes and impact.
• Develop and form university and industry research teams and consortia consisting of multiple, integrated disciplines and capabilities focused upon problem-based research and outcomes (through a Problem-based Basic Research Consortium).
• Drive collaboration between university researchers and Service laboratory researchers and Combatant Commands, while also creating opportunities for accelerating the development and advancement of basic and higher TRL research (through a Translational Research Initiative for Academia and Defense Partnership).