Dr. Vallen L. Emory, Jr. of the Army Research Laboratory talks about available partnerships with the Department of Defense.

Researchers are accustomed to seeking out answers and solutions to complex issues. This week, Claflin University researchers are being sought.

The United States Department of Defense is on Claflin’s campus Monday and Tuesday to discuss various opportunities for funding, faculty and staff research and internships, cooperative development and educational partnerships. DoD representatives will also hear research and innovative programming ideas from Claflin officials in science and non-science fields.

“We want students and faculty members to try to participate in our programs,” said Dr. Vallen L. Emory, Jr. of the Army Research Laboratory. “This is a great way to help build relationships and, more importantly, it helps us learn more about the academic institutions.”

Representatives from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Office of Naval Research Education Program are also on campus. Funding is available for higher education across the board, in science, social sciences, technology, business, mathematics, engineering and education.  There are opportunities for Claflin students in summer internships, research in DoD laboratories, or conducting research in University labs for the DoD. Faculty exchange programs are also available.

“We don’t do research,” said Mr. Edward Lee of AFOSR. “We give money away to colleges and universities to do research for us. “

Historically Black Colleges and Universities face a tougher time getting funding from the Department of Defense as it no longer allows funding to be earmarked solely for HBCU’s. That leaves $14 million dollars and 37 awards that were specifically catered to HBCU researchers in limbo, DoD officials said.

Mr. Edward Lee of the Air Force touts research opportunities for colleges and universities.

“We cannot set aside resources anymore for HBCU’s,” Dr. Emory noted. “We are trying to figure out how to award that money and how to continue to maximize your potential successes.”

During their two-day stay at Claflin, DoD officials will give Claflin faculty, staff and students and in-depth look at the programs they offer and how to take advantage of DoD funding for higher education. The Army spends nearly $350 million on academics overall and the Air Force has a $2 million budget.  The Navy is actively recruiting researchers to help them effectively increase their fleet from 282 ships to 313.

“We want to get your students to come work for us,” Mr. Lee said, noting that a large percent of the DoD’s workforce will be eligible for retirement in 2010. “If everyone decides to retire, that’s a huge vacuum for us. We have to grow our own.”

Claflin will also have any opportunity to showcase what it has to offer, with presentations planned from the School of Business, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. DoD officials will also tour Claflin’s laboratories.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow our relationship with the Department of Defense,” said Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “Our students have had tremendous success with DoD programs such as STARS (Science and Technology Recognition System) and this sharing of opportunities and ideas here this week will solidify and even stronger partnership.”