The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded University of North Carolina Wilmington and Florida Atlantic University of Ft. Pierce, Fla., a five year $22.5 million grant for the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

UNCW will co-manage the branch. The new institute will conduct research primarily in the areas of advanced underwater technologies, exploration and research of the eastern continental shelf.

“We are thrilled by this opportunity to enter into an equal partnership with FAU, taking full advantage of the specific areas of expertise and research strengths of both institutions,” said Dr. Steve McFarland, vice provost at UNCW.