Navy announces 2011 Young Investigator Program Awards

Arlington, Va.--The Department of the Navy announced today the award of $10.8 million to scientists and engineers at 18 academic institutions as part of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) 2011 Young Investigator Program (YIP).

"The Young Investigator Program is an important part of the Department of the Navy's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach programs," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "To our benefit, it attracts outstanding new faculty researchers to naval-relevant research. The program also plays a major role in the Navy's outreach efforts by supporting diverse faculty at a critical point in their careers."

The YIP award identifies and supports academic scientists and engineers who have obtained their doctorate, or equivalent degrees, and tenure-track positions within the past five years. Winners maintain the commitment of their educational institution to nurture and grow their professional development.

The Navy selected 21 proposals from more than 270 applications received last year. Awarded for compelling research with the potential to deliver game-changing naval science and technology, recipients will receive approximately $170,000 in annual research grants for three years. A list of the 2011 YIP winners can be found at http://go.usa.gov/2mC.

The YIP award program was launched by ONR in 1985, offering 10 grants of $50,000 each to promising researchers. The naval command has since expanded the program, naming 554 recipients representing 118 institutions of higher education to attract outstanding professors to the Department of the Navy's research program.

Provided by Office of Naval Research