{"id":157194,"date":"2026-06-17T11:14:58","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T16:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/news\/?p=157194"},"modified":"2026-06-17T11:14:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T16:14:58","slug":"uwm-advances-toward-key-federal-cybersecurity-certification-expanding-research-and-industry-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/news\/uwm-advances-toward-key-federal-cybersecurity-certification-expanding-research-and-industry-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"UWM\u00a0advances\u00a0toward\u00a0key\u00a0federal\u00a0cybersecurity\u00a0certification,\u00a0expanding\u00a0research and\u00a0industry\u00a0opportunities\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CMMC is a set of federally mandated cybersecurity standards\u00a0required\u00a0for organizations working on\u00a0projects with the\u00a0U.S.\u00a0Department of\u00a0Defense\u00a0and other defense-related\u00a0entities.\u00a0UWM earned its Level 1 certification in January, confirming that\u00a0the\u00a0university\u00a0has implemented essential security practices to\u00a0provide\u00a0safeguards for select\u00a0sensitive, non-classified research data.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEstablishing a\u00a0Level 1\u00a0environment\u00a0demonstrates UWM\u2019s commitment to protecting research and building the infrastructure required for high-impact federal partnerships,\u201d said Ali Abedi, UWM\u2019s\u00a0vice\u00a0chancellor for\u00a0research.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

UWM,\u00a0one of only two R1 (highest research activity) universities in Wisconsin,\u00a0is now working toward\u00a0CMMC\u00a0Level 2 certification, targeting\u00a0completion\u00a0in\u00a0November. This next phase requires more advanced investments, including secure laboratory environments and a dedicated data enclave,\u00a0an isolated and highly protected segment of the network capable of\u00a0handling controlled\u00a0research information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, Wisconsin\u2019s defense industry supports approximately 16,000 jobs. By enabling more federally funded research partnerships, UWM\u2019s progress toward Level 2 certification could\u00a0help\u00a0attract\u00a0additional\u00a0defense-related projects and strengthen the regional economy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlocking\u00a0new\u00a0research\u00a0funding and\u00a0industry\u00a0partnerships<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0DOD-funded projects that require compliance with enhanced cybersecurity standards,\u00a0projects that are currently inaccessible to institutions without certification.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The impact extends beyond campus. Southeastern Wisconsin\u2019s growing base of companies in energy, power systems,\u00a0controls\u00a0and advanced manufacturing stands to\u00a0benefit\u00a0from increased collaboration opportunities with UWM researchers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCMMC certification creates a framework where universities, industry partners and the federal government can work together more effectively and securely,\u201d Abedi said. \u201cIt\u2019s about unlocking collaboration while protecting innovation.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research with\u00a0broad\u00a0impact<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

UWM researchers are already contributing to\u00a0cutting-edge\u00a0federal 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\u2019s development of next-generation all-electric ships. His work involves collaboration with southeastern Wisconsin manufacturers engaged in defense production.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe region is rich in companies working in power, energy and automation,\u201d said Cuzner. \u201cThey need highly trained graduate students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies\u00a0and UWM is helping meet that demand.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cuzner\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHistorically, many transformative technologies\u00a0originated from DOD\u00a0research,\u00a0like the internet and advances in healthcare and artificial intelligence, for example,\u201d\u00a0Abedi\u00a0said.\u00a0\u201cThese\u00a0advancements\u00a0provide benefits that\u00a0extend far beyond national security.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe university is a powerful, untapped resource,\u201d\u00a0Abedi\u00a0said. \u201cBy building the right infrastructure and partnerships, we can create meaningful advancements that benefit both national defense and everyday life.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0 CMMC is a set of federally mandated cybersecurity standards\u00a0required\u00a0for organizations working 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