With the help of a $36 million federal award, the University’s military computational science program will enhance the research it began 12 years ago.

U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo, D-Minn., a member of the House Appropriations Committee, informed the University’s Army High Performance Computing Research Center it was the prime contractor of six institutions receiving federal funding.

The researchers work in several areas including biological and chemical defense. The awards will fund research in high-performance computing to advance strategic technology issues.

“People, at large, didn’t realize the importance of this before Sept. 11,” said Vipin Kumar, the computing center’s director.

Kumar said the center has been a leader in computational research since 1989 and has developed software for companies such as Intel and IBM.

Sabo said the research is important to sustain the nation’s status as a global leader in technology and economic growth.

“Investments in basic research are investments in our country’s future,” he said. “The Army’s investment Ö is important to our economy and our national security.”

Kumar said the financial award is a sign of people beginning to realize the importance of the center’s work.

He said the center was told they would receive the funding in August after submitting a proposal in July. The award is not a result of the September terrorist attacks.

However, the director did say research could assist present military efforts.

“In response to the events of Sept. 11, the research has become more focused,” Kumar said.

The award covers a five-year period and will increase University researchers’ access to Army computing resources.

Kumar said the grant has allowed the University to gain leadership among other institutions in computational science research.

“It’s the presence of the Army that has allowed the (University) to perform so well,” he said.