Morgan State University is set to receive $10 million in federal funding that will launch a new research institute focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics, while pushing the historically Black university closer to the nation's top tier of research institutions. The five-year grant will establish the Institute for Trusted Autonomous Networks, known as TITAN, and expand doctoral training across campus.
The announcement came from Senator Chris Van Hollen's office, which said the Baltimore university would receive the funding, according to CBS News. Van Hollen joined Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Kweisi Mfume in announcing the award, and the outlet reports the investment stems from the HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions pilot programs that Van Hollen has supported. Morgan says it received the maximum award available through the initiative, which it describes as a U.S. Department of War pilot program to increase research capacity at historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions, according to Morgan State University.
Morgan's proposal earned the full $2 million per year available over the five-year performance period, the university notes. Nationally, the pilot program selected 10 institutions and will invest roughly $100 million altogether, per the same university announcement.
What TITAN Will Actually Study
TITAN is described as a university-wide research and education initiative focused on developing autonomous systems that can operate reliably in complex and uncertain environments. The institute will examine how artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum-enhanced security, resilient communications, wireless networks, robotics, sensing and human-machine collaboration can work together, per Morgan's announcement.
The goal is to determine whether these technologies perform predictably and transparently, resist cyberattacks and system failures, and support sound decision-making, CBS News reports. Willie E. May, Morgan's vice president for Research and Economic Development and a chemistry professor, will serve as principal investigator, while Kofi Nyarko will serve as co-principal investigator and technical lead, according to the university.
A Push Toward Doctoral Growth and R1 Status
Over the five-year grant period, TITAN is projected to support roughly 20 research projects, 48 unique STEM research trainees and 24 unique postdoctoral researchers, Morgan says. The university adds that 24 doctoral students are expected to receive project support, with the institute targeting a 15 percent increase in STEM doctoral enrollment — about 50 additional students — over that span.
Morgan State University President David K. Wilson said the award affirms the university's research trajectory and provides catalytic support for its evolution as a public research university. Per Morgan's announcement, Wilson said, “We remain steadfast in reaching R1 by 2030.” The grant is intended to help move Morgan closer to Carnegie Research One classification, according to Black Engineer.
What Officials Are Saying
Senator Alsobrooks said Morgan State University will receive the $10 million in federal funding for research programs, and added that Maryland is leading the nation in research, technology and innovation, per the CBS News report. Congressman Mfume said the funding will strengthen Morgan's reputation as a leading HBCU, the station notes.
Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, is a historically Black college recognized as a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and it holds public research university status. The federal funding is meant to support research programs that expand opportunities for students, faculty and the university as a whole, and to help increase Morgan's capacity to achieve the very high research activity status known as R1.
