ORAU awards 36 research grants totaling $180,000 to junior faculty at its member universities

ORAU has awarded competitive research grants totaling $180,000 to 36 junior faculty from its member institutions. Additionally, MITRE has partnered with ORAU to fund five awards. The annual grants are made through the company’s Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards program that provides funds to enrich the research and professional growth of young faculty.

The awards recognize faculty members for their work in any of five science and technology disciplines: engineering and applied science; life sciences; mathematics and computer science; physical sciences; and policy, management or education. MITRE’s awards fund work in health disparities and health equity.

“As a research institution, ORAU is proud to recognize and support the research and professional development of the 41 emerging leaders who are receiving Powe Awards this year,” said Ken Tobin, ORAU vice president for research and university partnerships. “The Powe Award program benefits our member universities and is always extremely popular, because it provides an opportunity for young faculty members to further their research careers and pursue new funding avenues.”

“MITRE is proud to partner with ORAU to fund five Powe Awards,” said James Cook, MITRE vice president for strategic engagements and partnerships. “Health disparities and health equity are critical issues facing our country, and the Powe Awards program is the perfect mechanism for supporting research in this area.”

The Powe recipients, each of whom is in the first two years of a tenure track position, will receive $5,000 in seed money for the 2022-2023 academic year to enhance their research during the early stages of their careers. Each recipient’s institution matches the Powe award with an additional $5,000, making the total prize worth $10,000 for each winner. Winners may use the grants to purchase equipment, continue research or travel to professional meetings and conferences.

Since the program’s inception, ORAU has awarded 840 grants totaling more than $4 million. Including the matching funds from member institutions, ORAU has facilitated grants worth more than $8 million.

The awards, now in their 32nd year, are named for Ralph E. Powe, who served as the ORAU councilor from Mississippi State University for 16 years. Powe participated in numerous committees and special projects during his tenure and was elected chair of ORAU’s Council of Sponsoring Institutions. He died in 1996.

Recipients of the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards for the 2022-2023 academic year are listed below:

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