UWM advances toward key federal cybersecurity certification, expanding research and industry opportunities
Publish Date: 2026-07-03 10:55:00
Source Domain: www.newswise.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
Newswise — The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its research enterprise by achieving Level 1 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and accelerating efforts toward Level 2 certification, an accomplishment that will expand access to federal funding and deepen industry collaboration. CMMC is a set of federally mandated cybersecurity standards required for organizations working on projects with the U.S. Department of Defense and other defense-related entities. UWM earned its Level 1 certification in January, confirming that the university has implemented essential security practices to provide safeguards for select sensitive, non-classified research data. “Establishing a Level 1 environment demonstrates UWM’s commitment to protecting research and building the infrastructure required for high-impact federal partnerships,” said Ali Abedi, UWM’s vice chancellor for research. UWM, one of only two R1 (highest research activity) universities in Wisconsin, is now working toward CMMC Level 2 certification, targeting completion in November. This next phase requires more advanced investments, including secure laboratory environments and a dedicated data enclave, an isolated and highly protected segment of the network capable of handling controlled research information. Currently, Wisconsin’s defense industry supports approximately 16,000 jobs. By enabling more federally funded research partnerships, UWM’s progress toward Level 2 certification could help attract additional defense-related projects and strengthen the regional economy. Unlocking new research funding and industry partnerships As federal research funding becomes increasingly competitive, CMMC certification opens new doors for UWM researchers and their industry collaborators. Level 2 certification will enable UWM to pursue DOD-funded projects that require compliance with enhanced cybersecurity standards, projects that are currently inaccessible to institutions without certification. The impact extends beyond campus. Southeastern Wisconsin’s growing base of companies in energy, power systems, controls and advanced manufacturing stands to benefit from increased collaboration opportunities with UWM researchers. “CMMC certification creates a framework where universities, industry partners and the federal government can work together more effectively and securely,” Abedi said. “It’s about unlocking collaboration while protecting innovation.” Research with broad impact UWM researchers are already contributing to cutting-edge federal initiatives. Rob Cuzner, professor of electrical engineering and director of the Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems, leads applied research supporting the U.S. Navy’s development of next-generation all-electric ships. His work involves collaboration with southeastern Wisconsin manufacturers engaged in defense production. “The region is rich in companies working in power, energy and automation,” said Cuzner. “They need highly trained graduate students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and UWM is helping meet that demand.” Cuzner’s research into electric microgrids and energy resilience has implications well beyond military applications. Technologies developed through defense-funded research often translate into civilian uses, with potential applications ranging from hospital systems and urban power grids to renewable energy integration. “Historically, many transformative technologies originated from DOD research, like the internet and advances in healthcare and artificial intelligence, for example,” Abedi said. “These advancements provide benefits that extend far beyond national security.” “The university is a powerful, untapped resource,” Abedi said. “By building the right infrastructure and partnerships, we can create meaningful advancements that benefit both national defense and everyday life.”
