The Materials Science in Extreme Environments University Research Alliance (MSEE URA) conducted its first Annual Technical Review on June 22 – 24, 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s review was completed using a virtual format hosted by the MSEE URA staff at Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

The review had over 130 registered attendees which included representatives from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Laboratory, Department of Homeland Security, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Naval Air Warfare Center, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Professor Tim Weihs, JHU and Dr. Mike Robinson, DTRA co-led the review. Dr. Gary Hook, the Chief of the Enabling Capabilities Department at DTRA provided keynote remarks to start the review.

The review included 45 technical presentations by the 32 MSEE URA principal investigators focused on the two major research areas: chemical and biological agent defeat, and nuclear blast. Additionally, Professor Todd Hufnagel of JHU presented the MSEE workforce development programs which included seminars, professional development, short courses, and research internships.

Assuming there are no COVID-19 restrictions, the MSEE URA is looking forward to conducting next year’s Annual Technical Review as an in-person event.

Thanks to all who participated.