Rhode Island Congressional Delegation Welcomes Over $56 Million for Ocean State Research

PROVIDENCE, RI -Recognizing the talent, innovation, and excellence of Ocean State-based researchers across a variety of fields, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouseand Congressmen Gabe Amo and Seth Magazinertoday welcomed over $56+ million in recently awarded federal grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for interdisciplinary research.

A total of $56,065,030.00 in federal funding is being awarded to several Rhode Island institutions of higher education to support cutting-edge research. The federal funding will support work at the University of Rhode Island (URI), Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales in areas ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to STEM workforce pipeline development to mathematics and more.

"This federal funding means the continuation of cutting-edge research here in Rhode Island and leverages federal investments we have made in strengthening the state's research infrastructure. These highly competitive NSF awards are a testament to the students, professors, and institutions that contribute to these projects and help solve complex challenges. Not only do they make critical new discoveries and shape our understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math, they expand a world of opportunity and economic growth here in Rhode Island and beyond," said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who advocates each year for increased NSF research funding.

"Rhode Island's institutions of higher education are on the leading edge of STEM research and innovation," said Senator Whitehouse."This federal funding will help the University of Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University, and Brown University prepare the next generation of talent for well-paying jobs and continue to drive the Ocean State's competitiveness."

"Rhode Island's colleges and universities are driving scientific innovation and preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers," said Congressman Magaziner."We must protect federal funding for scientific research here in Rhode Island and nationally, and not allow the Trump administration to block research funding for political purposes."

"Cutting-edge research is the backbone of Rhode Island's competitiveness," said Congressman Amo. "While Trump tries to gut our science enterprise, I'm proud to deliver over $51 million in federal research funding to empower Rhode Islanders to develop innovations that will power our 21st century economy. I can't wait to see what Rhode Island researchers discover next."

Background

Johnson & Wales University received $999,960 for a project titled "Increasing Persistence in STEM Career Preparedness Through Mentoring and Cohort Activities."

The University of Rhode Island received $4,990,252 to fund a project titled, "ExpandQISE: Track 2: URI-PQI Collaboration - Application Of Quantum Fundamentals To Advance Research and Workforce Development."

The Rhode Island School of Design received $205,752 for a project titled "Collaborative Research: HCC: Medium: Accelerating Yarn Fabrication Research using Rapid Prototyping Tools."

The Rhode Island School of Design also received $400,000 for research titled "Collaborative Research: EPIIC: Supporting Partnerships for Advancement, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK)."

Brown University received $20,000,000 to fund a new AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistants.

Brown University received $16,500,000 for the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics.

Brown University received an additional $12,969,066 for additional science research projects.

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