The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has funded five new university-based research centers to study border security and immigration; explosives detection; maritime, island and port security; natural disasters; and emergency management and transportation. The new centers, each of which will receive up to $2 million a year for 4 to 6 years, will join eight existing centers focused on DHS's mission. “These colleges and universities … will provide scientific expertise, high-quality resources, and independent thought—all valuable to securing America,” says Jay Cohen, DHS undersecretary for science and technology.