Strengthening Partnerships: DEVCOM CBC Director Teams Up with University of Delaware for Innovative Collaboration

On April 17, 2023, at the University of Delaware, a new chapter of collaboration began between the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) and the university. During a signing ceremony, Michael Bailey, the director of DEVCOM CBC, and Dr. Miguel Garcia-Diaz, the vice president for research at the university, formalized an Educational Partnership Agreement.

This agreement opens the door for various opportunities. It allows both institutions to work together on research projects and gives University of Delaware students academic credit for participating in DEVCOM CBC’s research efforts. Moreover, DEVCOM scientists can teach courses at the university, and they can share lab equipment, enhancing both parties’ capabilities.

This partnership builds on a long-standing history of research collaboration in fields like biomanufacturing and material development. Matt Jones, a technology transfer specialist at DEVCOM CBC, initiated the idea after observing how effective an existing agreement between DEVCOM headquarters and the University of Delaware has been. “There’s so much value in these collaborations,” he said, emphasizing the importance of expanding their network of partners, which already includes notable institutions like Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins.

Adding to this, Dr. Greg Peterson, the Chief Scientist in the Protection Division, highlighted the benefits of merging expertise. “By working together, we can achieve breakthroughs that we might not reach individually,” he noted. He brings personal ties to the university, having earned his Ph.D. there, which amplifies the potential for success in their joint endeavors.

Bailey also sees future potential in this partnership. He pointed out the proximity of the university—less than an hour away—and the number of its alumni working at DEVCOM CBC. “I believe we will see promising research projects emerging from this collaboration,” he said, adding that students will gain insight into potential careers at the Center.

Echoing this sentiment, Garcia-Diaz expressed gratitude for the partnership. He mentioned a shared commitment to innovation and collaboration, vital for advancing research critical to national defense.

To put this into perspective, collaborations between defense institutions and academic centers have significantly advanced technology over the years. Similar partnerships have led to groundbreaking developments, such as advances in drone technology and cybersecurity measures, reflecting a trend where federal research funds increasingly flow into university programs.

As these two organizations embark on this partnership, they reinforce the notion that collaboration can lead to remarkable achievements in science and technology, especially in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

For further details about DEVCOM, visit devcom.army.mil.

The DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, as the Department of Defense’s primary technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense, plays a crucial role in advancing technologies to protect military personnel against weapons of mass destruction. With resources across multiple sites in the U.S., its multidisciplinary team is committed to innovation in defense research.

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