ARLINGTON, Va. — The Office of Naval Research (ONR) honored the inaugural class of Chief of Naval Research (CNR) Fellows during a ceremony Oct. 15 at ONR headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
The first-ever national selection process drew more than 180 nominations from approximately 70 academic institutions across the United States. From that highly competitive field, the Fellows were selected to participate in the program’s first cohort.
Launched earlier this year, the CNR Fellows program is designed to bring a steady infusion of state-of-the-art knowledge into ONR, while building a growing network of researchers who can translate Navy and Marine Corps’ priorities into science and technology (S&T) that benefits Sailors and Marines.
The one-year timeframe also allows the program to reach a larger number of researchers over time, ultimately creating ONR and Department of the Navy (DON) advocates on campuses nationwide. During their tenure, the Fellows will provide technical insight on proposed and ongoing research efforts, identify new research opportunities, and strengthen connections between the DON and academic community.
"Our partnership with academia lets us tap incredible talent early, and turn discovery into capability. Ultimately, it’s about making sure our Sailors and Marines have the technological edge they need to succeed in any mission," said Dr. Thomas C. Fu, ONR executive director performing the duties of Chief of Naval Research.
The inaugural CNR Fellows in attendance were:
"The CNR Fellows program gives early-career scientists and engineers a direct path into the naval research community," said Dr. Reginald Williams, the ONR program officer overseeing the initiative. "Fellows leave with new skills, a professional network and a clear view of how their work supports the warfighter. In turn, we strengthen the pipeline of talent on which naval S&T and future mission success depends."