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AROUND THE REGION - October 2024 Edition

By AFRL Regional Network Midwest Community posted 10-10-2024 09:58

  
The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest's first funding call for 2025 is now open! This call seeks proposals from researchers who are members of the Midwest Regional Network, along with their AFRL and additional collaborators. Our primary focus areas include the following:
  • Hypersonics
  • Microelectronics
  • Energetic materials
  • On-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM)
  • Space domain awareness

Project submission open
: Oct. 1, 2024
Pre-proposal (Phase I) due date: Oct. 15, 2024

Before applying for funding, you MUST have an established relationship with an AFRL scientist and/or engineer (S&E). If you still need to connect with an AFRL S&E, please submit your ideas through Tech Connect.

Members must log into the community portal to see subtopics and submit proposals.

Remembering Abidemi "Demi" Ajurongbe

Last month we were sad to learn of the passing of our former intern, Abidemi "Demi" Ojurongbe. Demi was a bright and passionate young entrepreneur who was constantly looking for ways to improve himself and make a positive impact. He was always ready with a smile and a kind word, making him a joy to be around, and he was deeply connected with many of our team members. Demi was especially excited about the prestigious internship he was offered at Caterpillar, Inc. this past summer, where he excelled and made us all proud.

His passing has left us stunned and saddened. Our thoughts are with Demi's parents, sisters, friends, and family during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Demi. You will be missed.
Learn more about this project
Starting Oct. 10, 2024, the AFRL Scholars program will be accepting applications for its Summer 2025 program.

The AFRL Scholars Program offers unique, hands-on internships for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as K-12 educators, to work alongside scientists and engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Participants have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and technology development that supports national defense. 

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, full-time enrollment at an accredited institution (for students), and a strong academic background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Applications close Jan. 10, 2025.
Learn more and apply here
DCS Corp is a leader in providing cutting-edge engineering and technology solutions to the DoD. For over 45 years, DCS has been at the forefront of delivering mission-critical services across the military’s air, land, sea, and space domains. Their expertise spans systems engineering, software development, and integration, empowering the defense sector with the tools and capabilities needed for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. They have been instrumental in the development of the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS), which significantly improves pilot safety for F-16 and F-35 aircraft. ​Their commitment to security has also been recognized; DCS has won the prestigious James S. Cogswell Award for industrial security excellence ten times​. 

As an employee-owned company, DCS Corp takes a long-term view on growth and innovation. With every team member having a stake in the company's future, there is a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking solutions. This ownership practice drives DCS’s continuous efforts to support defense initiatives that enhance national security while pushing the boundaries of technology.  
Learn more about the company
Congratulations to the 18 teams who were selected to receive funding for the final call of 2024! We have 12 teams led by academic institutions and six led by industry. We look forward to all the innovative technology that emerges from these projects.

    See all the winners

    Upcoming Events

    • Oct. 13-16, 2024: ACS Midwest Regional Meeting. Omaha, NE.
    • Oct. 21-22, 2024: Iowa State University CoMFRE Annual Meeting. Ames, IA.
    • Oct. 23, 2024: UND Space Operations Summit. Grand Forks, ND.
    • Oct. 30-31, 2024: Space Policy Symposium. West Lafayette, IN.
    • Nov. 6-7, 2024: AFRL Mid-Atlantic Annual Event. New York, NY.
    • Nov. 13, 2024: AFRL Regional Network - Midwest Open Information Session. Virtual - Zoom.
    • Nov. 19, 2024AFRL Regional Network - Midwest Open Information Session. Virtual - Zoom
    If you will be attending any of these events and would like an opportunity to meet, please email us at afrlmwst@purdue.edu. We'd be happy to schedule dedicated time to meet with you!

    Click here for more upcoming event information.

    SAVE THE DATE!


    AFRL Regional Network - Midwest Annual Meeting


    When: 
    April 24-25, 2024 
    Where: 
    Purdue University campus

    Mark your calendars for the AFRL Regional Network - Midwest annual meeting, which will include impactful discussions, networking, and insights into the latest innovation and research from the network. The tentative agenda will include:

    Thursday, April 24 (12:00-5:00 PM)
    • Lunch
    • Presentations / Discussions / Breakouts
    • Networking Dinner

    Friday, April 25 (8:00 AM-12:00 PM)

    • Networking Breakfast
    • Presentations / Discussions / Breakouts
    Have you checked out the AFRL Regional Network - Midwest YouTube Channel? On this platform, partners have access to a variety of video content that includes:
    • Funded project video reports
    • Network promo videos
    • Informative and instructional videos
    Stay tuned to all of our social media channels as new content will be added frequently!

    Tech Connect

    Tech Connect is an exciting new AFRL tool that allows industry and academia to connect with and collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers. The service provides access to open opportunities, identifies meet-up events, lists other DAF S&T enterprise connectors, and provides a way for anyone to share an idea.

    By filling out a simple form, you will be connected with AFRL S&Es that best match your research and capabilities. Be sure to include “Midwest Network” in your subject line.

    Partner with Us


    The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest is a unique opportunity to partner with the Air Force Research Lab. If you are interested in becoming a partner, please visit our Join Page for more information!

    Get Featured in the Newsletter


    If you or your organization would like to be featured in an issue of Around the Region, please email us at afrlmwst@purdue.edu. A representative will then reach out to you for additional information.

    At the AFRL Regional Network – Midwest, we are dedicated to developing next-generation research and technology to support the Air Force mission by providing analysis, development, and testing capabilities that span multiple science and engineering disciplines. From propulsion to communications, materials to sensors, our research focuses on advancing mission capability and accelerating technology transitions throughout the life cycle of programs.

    At the Midwest Network, we understand the importance of collaboration in advancing technology and mission capability. We facilitate partnerships between industry and academia to develop new means to address the current and future needs of our customers.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
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