R2D2 Annual Report

Program Summary-June 1996 - June 1997 (updated March 1998)

The Research and Re-education for Displaced Defense (R2D2) Personnel Program is nearing the end of its third full year of operation. Goals of the program are to (1) fund research and technology transfer projects focused on hazardous substance and waste issues at DoD sites; (2) develop and implement new cleanup technologies for the marketplace; and (3) provide tuition reimbursement, financial support, specialized training, and job placement assistance for students impacted by DoD downsizing. Special emphasis for this year was on completing existing research projects and job placement activities.

Current Status

At present, 80 DoD-related research projects are underway, 46 of which have potential commercial applications. This program has supported 73 displaced DoD students working toward baccalaureate and advanced degrees while serving as research assistants on these projects and interns and program associates for other Hazardous Substance Research Center (HSRC) activities. To date, 46 have completed degree programs. To help prepare these students for leadership positions in industry, government, and academia, the R2D2 program sends students to HSRC and other conferences, where they present research results, attend technical workshops, receive occupational training and certifications, and participate in seminars with practicing environmental professionals. A resume portfolio facilitates placement of students in jobs and internships.

The table below presents R2D2 Program statistics for each of the five HSRCs. A total of 29 universities are consortium members; the lead institution for each consortium is identified in the table.

R2D2 Program Statistics

Ongoing Activities

A number of funded projects have been completed, and many others are nearing completion. Efforts continue to identify additional funds to support R2D2 students, complete remaining projects, and transfer research results to government and private users. Opportunities may exist to perform additional research, technology transfer, and training for DoD, regulatory, local community, private industry, and international organizations involved with defense-related environmental issues. A comprehensive summary of all funded research supported by the R2D2 program, plus additional ways the HSRCs serve as a resource to the DoD, is detailed in a June 1997 Interagency Cooperative Efforts document.

In support of program goals to develop/implement new technologies for the marketplace and to provide job placement assistance for students, the National Coordination Office works to establish technology transfer partnerships with HSRC affiliates. Key components of these partnerships are student job placement, joint technology demonstration projects, and involvement in annual conferences. In addition to the more than ten DoD installations already involved with R2D2 projects, program representatives visited or met with individuals from over 65 DoD labs, service agencies, research offices, and bases to develop new partnerships. Program results were also showcased through exhibits and presentations at over 20 DoD and other conferences and workshops. Results of these and other activities to transfer environmental research results and technology include the following: student job placement in environmental professional positions at rates exceeding 80%; at least three new and five potential DoD co-funding arrangements for HSRC projects; and three co-funding agreements for an upcoming HSRC annual conference. Opportunities for other true partnerships are being developed with a pool of over 400 potential collaborators and employers identified through the R2D2 program.

Future efforts will focus on strengthening existing and creating new ways for exchange of technology needs and information with organizations involved in environmental problem solving at defense sites. This will include augmentation of HSRC advisory committees; upgrading Web page links and newsletter mailing lists; and promoting joint conferences and meetings, joint research, and student exchange and job placement. In this way, R2D2 activities will become a seamless part of core research and technology transfer activities at all five HSRCs.

Please contact the R2D2 Program National Coordination Office at the address below for information on research and technology transfer results and partnerships.