AF to conduct S&T review

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, speaking here at the Air Force Association's annual Air, Space and Cyber conference Sept. 18, announced the AF will conduct a 12-month Science and Technology (S&T) review to update its research priorities and strategy. The review will focus on how the service conducts and manages research, and where the service should prioritize research for the next decade and beyond. The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, will lead the review. The Air Force Scientific Advisory board will conduct a parallel effort and provide feedback and advice throughout the process. The Air Force Studies board of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine will also conduct at least one workshop to provide input to the effort. All efforts are intended to be input for an updated science and technology strategy. The AF will also provide small grants to universities to sponsor regional workshops in partnership with American universities to gather input from academic researchers. (Source: Secretary of the Air Force 09/18/17) Gulf Coast Note: Mississippi State University has been working with the Defense Department over many years. In May 2017, MSU was awarded a $9,843,755 contract to continue Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Command’s simulation-based reliability and safety program of modeling and simulation, and vehicle reliability prediction. Work is ongoing in Starkville, Miss. The estimated completion date is May 2022.