The University of Mississippi has joined the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation-University Consortium to form a partnership to tackle challenges in the areas of space and national defense.

VCSI is a nonprofit organization that works to further the mission of key governmental stakeholders through a regional consortium of academic institutions. Specializing in research and development, the consortium is made up of academic institutions which offer unique capabilities in advanced technologies, engineering prototyping, research and analyses and connects academic leaders to the needs of the federal government.

“The University of Mississippi is always looking for better ways to partner with our sister research institutions, so we are excited to join the consortium,” said Josh Gladden, UM interim vice chancellor for research and sponsored programs, in a recent news release.“Robust partnerships are critical in today’s academic research environments, and this group is committed to building a strong coalition of universities. Ole Miss is pleased to become one of the inaugural members of VCSI.”

The consortium is extending invitations to any and all research universities in the region surrounding Huntsville, where it was founded in 2006. In addition to Ole Miss, VCSI has also added the University of Alabama, Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the consortium.

As a nonprofit, VCSI was designed to facilitate research relationships with universities and government agencies. The center integrates the universities to add synergy for solving complex problems, according to Chris Crumbly, the center’s executive director.

“We are excited to sign our first agreement with the University of Mississippi,” Crumbly said. “This demonstrates our renewed emphasis for expanding our region of academic engagement with the Huntsville technology community and adds more opportunity to showcase the exciting research ongoing at Ole Miss.”