Leidos Invests in Innovation Partnership with UMD

The University of Maryland received a $200,000 donation from Leidos, a national security, health and engineering solutions company, to support research, education programs, student activities and fellowships.

The commitment of support reflects an ongoing relationship between Leidos and UMD to provide high-quality education and research opportunities for students and faculty.

"We're excited to support one of the nation's finest research and educational institutions and the next generation of technical leaders," said Jim Cantor, senior vice president and chief engineer for Leidos National Security Sector and UMD executive sponsor. "Such support not only provides critical resources and opportunities for students and faculty at institutions like UMD, it strengthens the nation as we work to maintain a strong high-tech research and manufacturing capability that is fundamental to national security."

The donation supports UMD's leading engineering, public health, and cybersecurity research and education programs.

The gift includes the launch of the UMD-Leidos Seed Grant Program, a new initiative to facilitate and incentivize collaborations between UMD researchers and Leidos subject matter experts in the areas of health and national security.

"UMD and Leidos are both global leaders looking to solve the grand problems of our time," said Patrick O'Shea, vice president and chief research officer at the University of Maryland. "We are delighted about the UMD-Leidos Seed Grant Program's potential to catalyze bold new research."

The donation also supports:

BitCamp, a student-run 'hackathon' where over 1,000 students demonstrate their skills on testing vulnerabilities of websites, apps and hardware projects.

Programs that promote diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), including the Maryland Center for Women in Computing Ambassadors, the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering Banquet, and Women in Engineering DREAM Conference.

Efforts in the Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Epidemiology & Biostatistics.

Talent development programs in the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the Department of Computer Science, and the University Career Center.

Membership in the Maryland Cybersecurity Center Corporate Partner Program and M-CERSI (University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation) Industry Consortium, a program that brings together experts to discover regulatory science practices that promote innovation in medical devices and pharmaceutical, while also addressing critical safety concerns.

Published September 24, 2014