UTA is taking a leadership role in the war on terrorism.

The University signed an agreement in March to work on research projects with Sandia National Laboratories, the premiere laboratory in the nation tackling homeland and national security.

Based in Albuquerque, N.M., Sandia's chief stated mission is to ensure the security of the United States and decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Initially, UTA will spearhead the development of improved chemical and radiation detector technology. The improvements will be instrumental in tracking and thwarting potential terrorist acts. The College of Science and College of Engineering will use their nanotechnology facilities for this cutting-edge research.

"This key partnership indicates the recognition that UTA scientists and researchers are receiving nationwide," UTA President James D. Spaniolo said. "Partnering with Sandia will not only serve to better our homeland security efforts but will provide additional partnerships with the high-tech and defense industries in North Texas as well as with other universities in the Metroplex."

The formal launch of the collaborative pact was part of Sandia-Metroplex Day on March 19 when UTA, U.T. Dallas and U.T. Southwestern Medical Center signed a joint agreement with Sandia. All three universities will work with each other and with Sandia on research and development projects.

"This agreement marks another event in the rapid expansion of U.T. Arlington's research activities," said Ronald Elsenbaumer, vice president for research. "The research being done at UTA, and all that it impacts, solidifies UTA's status as a major, nationally recognized research institution."