The University of Hawai’i and the University of Massachusetts agreed to collaborate on research and education involving energy resilience, critical infrastructure, national security, and related technologies.
UH President Wendy F. Hensel and UMass President Marty Meehan signed a five-year memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for cooperation between the two university systems.
The agreement covers joint research, student and faculty exchanges, training programs, and other academic initiatives.
Potential collaboration areas include cyber-physical systems, microgrids, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, maritime technologies, and sensing.
The universities will also explore research and workforce development aligned with U.S. Department of Defense priorities.
An initial focus will be energy resilience and protection of critical infrastructure.
UH and UMass said their respective locations in Hawaiʻi and Massachusetts provide opportunities to study resilience challenges in states with substantial coastal and maritime infrastructure.
The MOU does not commit the universities to specific research projects.
Individual initiatives will instead be developed through separate agreements as opportunities are identified.
The partnership is intended to combine research expertise at the two public university systems while creating additional opportunities for faculty and students.
KEY QUOTES:
“As an island state with critical energy, maritime and infrastructure needs, Hawaiʻi is an important place to develop and test solutions that can strengthen resilience.”
Wendy F. Hensel, President of the University of Hawaiʻi
“By bringing our expertise together in areas such as resilient energy systems, advanced sensing and maritime infrastructure, we can create new opportunities for collaboration and prepare students for the workforce of the future.”
Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts
