Kentucky State University receives historic National Science Foundation grant

Kentucky State University is celebrating a historic win for the school: a $7,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for its project entitled "Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky (DARE-KY) through Inclusive Network Building, Impactful Research, and Workforce Development for Soilless Food Systems."

According to an article on Kentucky State University’s website, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, the president of the university, was quoted as saying of the grant funding, “What a great day it is for Kentucky and for Kentucky State University. We could not be more proud of the work completed everyday here on campus and throughout the Commonwealth. NSF, along with our partners in this endeavor see our potential and the impact we will have for years to come.”

The grant will run from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2028. Kentucky State University is leading the project and is collaborating with partners throughout the state of Kentucky, including Bluegrass Community and Technical College, FoodChain Inc, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, and the University of Pikeville. The project includes the implementation of a research incubator that will explore food safety, nutrient management, and the creation of soilless food production.

Terry Samuel, the president of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation, said of the collaboration, “We’re thrilled to support our longtime partner KSU in receiving this historic federal grant. Our Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation team is ready to work with KSU and partners by leveraging our university, industry and workforce relationships to establish Kentucky as a hub for soilless agriculture technology.”

DARE-KY seeks to enhance workforce development and STEM education in Kentucky. It will introduce new curriculum, apprenticeship opportunities, and research opportunities for students, as well as public engagement events and symposiums regarding agriculture technology developments. 

The director of the National Science Foundation, Sethuraman Panchanathan, shared, "This investment from NSF's E-RISE RII program powers scientific progress through broad networks of researchers, institutions, and organizations that will significantly enhance STEM research capacity in our EPSCoR jurisdictions. We are investing in a future where EPSCoR jurisdictions are even more competitive in the scientific enterprise, both nationally and internationally."

Dr. Akakpo added, “Our collaboration with Bluegrass Community Technical College, University of Pikeville, KSEC, FoodChain and industry leaders to develop a state-wide research network centered around soilless agriculture is to address climate change, soil quality, and access to fresh food. Stay tuned as this award is just the beginning.”

For more information about Kentucky State University, visit the school’s website.