ABOR approves no-cost extensions of four Regents’ Research Grants

The Arizona Board of Regents today approved no-cost extensions for four Regents’ Research Grants, allowing the university-led projects to complete critical work addressing environmental quality, natural resources and national security.

Regents’ Research Grants are designed to accelerate solutions to Arizona’s most urgent needs by leveraging expertise across the state’s public universities – Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona – in partnership with state agencies. Funded through the Technology and Research Initiative Fund, the program prioritizes near-term research opportunities that addresses the state’s most pressing challenges and delivers clear benefit to Arizonans. 

“Arizona’s public universities are leading work that directly serves the state’s priorities,” said ABOR Executive Director Chad Sampson. “These extensions make sure that work this work is completed, results are delivered and that the state receives the full return on its investment.”

Evaluate Contaminant Fate and Transport in Biosolids

This project brings together a tri-university research team to address priorities identified by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, focusing on how contaminants in biosolids move through and impact Arizona’s environment. 

Originally approved in FY2024 with $2.16 million in funding, the project is generating Arizona-specific data on PFAS, pathogens and antibiotic resistance, along with early risk assessment tools to support regulatory and land management decisions. It also advances understanding of emerging contaminants in arid and semi-arid systems and enables risk-informed land application practices that protect public health and environmental quality. 

Regents approved a 12-month, no-cost extension to allow the team to complete laboratory analysis, risk modeling and final deliverables, including contaminant datasets, spatial risk maps and policy guidance for ADEQ to inform safe biosolids management in Arizona. 

Reprocessing Copper Mine Tailings: Critical Mineral Recovery from Past, Current and Future Copper Mine Tailings 

This tri-university project is focused on recovering critical minerals from Arizona’s copper mine tailings, in response to priorities identified by the Arizona State Mine Inspector. The project aims to provide actionable insights into critical mineral recovery while supporting Arizona’s mining sector and long-term economic competitiveness.

Originally approved in FY2024 with $3.6 million in funding, the project is building statewide datasets and testing extraction methods to better understand the economic and technical potential of recovering valuable materials from existing and future mine tailings. To date, the team has completed fieldwork, developed advanced mapping and sensing tools, built partnerships with industry and generated early datasets and analyses to support mineral recovery strategies. 

Regents approved a 12-month, no-cost extension to allow the research team to complete additional extraction testing, final data integration and completion of reports, publications and a public-facing dataset. 

Enhancing ADEQ’s Communication and Engagement Practices

This tri-university project focuses on improving how ADEQ communicates complex environmental information to the public. The project is helping ADEQ strengthen communication strategies, improve public understanding of environmental risks and build more effective engagement with Arizona communities. 

Originally approved in FY2024 with $1.5 million in funding, the project is developing more accessible geographic information system mapping tools, strengthening public health communication and supporting community engagement on groundwater and wastewater issues. To date, the team has redesigned ADEQ’s mapping tools for public use, launched surveys to assess public understanding and supported outreach efforts tied to the state’s first nitrogen management area. 

Regents approved a 12-month, no-cost extension to allow the team to continue evaluation of community engagement efforts, conduct additional survey analysis and further improve public-facing tools. 

Cyber Resilience Against Signal Jamming for Terminal Devices in Zero-Trust, Contested Areas

This NAU-led project focuses on advancing secure communication technologies for terminal devices operating in contested and low-connectivity environments, The project aims to strengthen resilient communications capabilities while advancing Arizona’s role in dual-use technology innovation.

Originally approved in FY2026 with $90,000 in funding, the project is developing protocols that enable reliable, secure communication even in jammed or high-error conditions, supporting both national security and commercial applications. To date, the team has integrated software components into a unified platform, tested and refined systems and advanced the technology toward deployment readiness. 

Regents approved a six-month, no-cost extension to allow for continued testing, optimization and preparation for commercialization. 

You can learn more about the Regents’ Grants program and other projects funded by the board here.