Why it matters
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University and Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division will deepen their collaborations in engineering, informatics and computing by establishing a shared permanent space on the IU Bloomington campus.
Multidisciplinary Engineering and Sciences Hall, or MESH, north of the athletics complex, is being converted to state-of-the-art laboratory space, where researchers from both institutions will work side by side to develop solutions to national security challenges and share specialized equipment. The agreement will also include remote worksites in MESH for various senior administrative NSWC Crane staff.
IU President Michael A. McRobbie noted the strength of the relationship between IU and NSWC Crane.
“Indiana University’s relationship with NSWC Crane – which spans the key areas of informatics and computing, cybersecurity, technology transfer and intelligent systems engineering – continues to expand and develop in exciting ways,” McRobbie said. “With this newest initiative, IU and Crane will further their efforts to provide expert leadership and highly specialized technologies toward solving today’s most critical national security challenges. Additionally, by continuing to collaborate in areas of mutual research and technology strength, IU and Crane will also help improve regional workforce development and economic prosperity, as well as the security of the Hoosier state.”
McRobbie and Brett Seidle, technical director of NSWC Crane, signed a renewed Educational Partnership Agreement between the two organizations, which creates the framework for this initiative. Seidle said the renewal of the agreement, originally signed in 2011, will benefit both sides.
“A rapid expansion of collaboration has occurred with Indiana University over the last five years, like never before in our history,” Seidle said. “The renewal of this EPA enables us to work together in new ways that maximize our strengths to help us each achieve our organizational goals.”
