Navy Announces 2012 Young Investigator Research Awards

The Department of the Navy is awarding $13.7 million to university professors selected from a record number of applicants for the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Young Investigator Program (YIP), officials announced March 26.

The ONR YIP is one of the oldest and most selective scientific research advancement programs in the country. Its purpose is to fund early-career academic researchers—called investigators—whose scientific pursuits show exceptional promise for supporting the Navy and Marine Corps while also promoting their professional development.

 “The Department of the Navy’s support of these outstanding research scientists is one of the ways we will maintain our technological advantage for the Navy and Marine Corps and our nation,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “The Young Investigator Program rewards these emerging leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields."

The 26 winners of ONR’s 2012 (YIP) were selected from a diverse pool of more than 350 candidates. They represent 19 academic institutions across the country in disciplines ranging from nanomaterials, robotics and marine meteorology to undersea medicine, learning behaviors and psychology. Each selectee receives annual monetary awards over a three-year period for research efforts that hold promise in advancing naval technology. The list of the 2012 YIP winners can be found at http://ow.ly/9QnmZ .

Office of Naval Research’s YIP awardees are college and university faculty who have attained tenure-track positioning the past five years.  They are selected based upon the merit of their research and potential contributions for game-changing advances for the Navy and Marine Corps.  Many YIP winners continue to engage in naval research beyond their award periods and their research careers often accelerate earning them opportunities and prominence in their respective fields. 

The YIP began in 1985 when ONR selected 10 winners and awarded them $50,000 per year for three years. Since then, the program has grown steadily to include a total of 579 recipients who represent 120 institutions of higher education.

For more information, contact the ONR Corporate Strategic Communications Office at 703-696-5031.