The UA has launched the Defense and Security Research Institute, looking to double its research spending.

The Defense and Security Research Institute aims to provide opportunities for partnerships between the university and other companies. These partnerships will assist in building the UA’s reputation as a preferred partner for defense and security-related programs, UA President Ann Weaver Hart stated in a news release.

The launch of DSRI will help the UA in its goal of doubling research spending from $600 million to $1.2 billion in accordance with goals set by the Arizona Board of Regents.

The potential partners DSRI could bring in would open up the UA to more opportunities, according to David Allen, vice president of Tech Launch Arizona. Allen said a close partnership benefits both parties by strengthening their resources.

“Together we can go to different programs within the department of defense, explain our joint capacities and basically be involved and help formulate programs, rather than just merely being responsive,” Allen said.

The institute was developed as a way to bring in additional revenue to support UA research, said Jennifer Barton, interim vice president of research.

Along with creating more opportunities for partnerships, the DSRI will also be of assistance to faculty participating in research with the Department of Defense.

“To be of interest to the federal agencies it is really important that you … have incredible expertise,” Barton said.

The DSRI will allow for faculty to make connections by linking them to program announcements they should know about, helping them get in touch with agency officials and helping them learn how to put together proper proposals, according to Barton.

Allen said this new institute should elevate the status of the UA.

“We are a player now,” Allen said, “but we have the potential to do so much more.”