WEBVTT

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[instrumental music]

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In 2004, the Science and
Technology Directorate

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began collaborating with academia.

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As evidenced by the
shining stars on this map

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it started with one lead university
and 16 partner institutions.

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But that was just the beginning.

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[instrumental music]

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In the ensuing 20 years, the program's
impact has been truly remarkable.

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Over that time S and T’s
Office of University Programs

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and the Department of Homeland Security

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Centers of Excellence,
or COEs that they oversee

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have met many challenges
and exceeded all expectations.

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Reaching across this great
country and beyond

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the number of lead universities
and academic consortium

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partners has grown significantly,

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infusing the program
with new ideas and energy

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to tackle emerging areas of concern.

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These COEs have been a catalyst
for cutting edge research,

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pioneering approaches to critical topics

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as well as scientific
and technical advancements.

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The centers have helped DHS look over the horizon

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and offered the department
a distinct and invaluable viewpoint,

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one that looks beyond today's
challenges and operations

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and sees a future of preparedness.

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Each COE, focusing on its
unique concentration,

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blends a diversity of geographies,
ideologies and expertise,

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all to deliver enhanced domain awareness
in vital topics of national importance.

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[Driving thumping music swells]

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And this is all done in service
to an overarching mission—

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securing the homeland now
and for decades to come.

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Over the last 20 years,
the COEs have built a reputation

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for driving innovation,
forging new relationships

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and connecting the country's
best and brightest students

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in pursuit of the common good.

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The only thing more
impressive than what

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the COEs have already accomplished

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is how bright our future looks.

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[instrumental music]