Logo that says: HEROES UMass Lowell/US Army, DEVCOM Soldier Center, US Army

HEROES is a strategic partnership between UMass Lowell and DEVCOM SC. Together we collaborate with Industry, academia, and government to leverage intellectual assets and resources to create knowledge accessible now and in the future.

As an interdisciplinary research and development group, students, staff, and faculty work alongside DEVCOM SC scientists and engineers to transform ideas into products to increase national security and enhance the US warfighter.

P2 Educator Award

Ramaswamy Nagarajan accepts his P2 Award with Another Winner at at Podium

HEROES Co-Director, Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan receives National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, P2 Educator Award

Ramaswamy Nagarajan, Distinguished University Professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, has been an early and prolific teacher and adopter of pollution prevention and toxics use reduction strategies. He has been successful leading research teams to discover and evaluate safer alternatives to toxic chemicals for a wide variety of applications including flame retardants used in wire and cable products, textile coatings, resins and medical device assays.

Read the article: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable 2023 MVP2 Awards.

Open Call

Stock image of soldier taking notes while holding a book sitting at a table.

HEROES 2024 Research Topics Open Call for New Projects Underway

On February 2, 2024, UMass Lowell HEROES and the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center hosted an open call, featuring an overview of all FY24 topics by Ravi Mosurkal, the Co-Director of HEROES at DEVCOM SC. This informational session offered brief presentations on the Soldier Center's research focus areas, future technologies in operational environments, and the new proposal process. The open call aimed to identify new research and development areas of interest to DEVCOM SC, with the goal of expanding the HEROES technology portfolio and empowering soldiers.

Following a strong response from faculty and staff, DEVCOM SC's HEROES Project Managers organized roadmap ideation workshops, offering feedback. Select faculty and staff are currently in the process of submitting a concept paper.

HEROES' Inaugural Technology Commercialization Teaming Event!

December 4, 2023, 4 – 7:30 p.m. | Innovation Hub, 3rd Floor | 110 Canal Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Commercializing Technologies and Growing Partnership Opportunities

Discover, learn, network with top tier professors, students and business leaders from UMass Lowell and the local ecosystem. Expect an evening of lively discussion with founders, funders, technologists, customers and support systems of some of the most promising startups in the Commonwealth.

Driving technological innovation forward: the recent HEROES/UMass Lowell technology Commercialization teaming event marked a milestone in fostering industry-academia collaboration. Sponsored by HBSR, MassVenture and UML M2D2, this engaging forum brought together thought leaders, including Chancellor Julie Chen, and industry experts for a dynamic exploration of cutting-edge technologies. Keynote speaker Dr. Austin Che of Ginkgo Bioworks illuminated the event with his insights. The highlight was the presentation of diverse innovations ranging from AI/ML solutions in agri-food industries to advanced environmental sensing technologies. This event not only showcased the promising project 'Aquatox' by Prof. Kurup, the winning team, but also opened avenues for future partnerships and commercialization prospects in the tech world. A vibrant hub for knowledge exchange. it reflected UMass Lowell's commitment to advancing technology and nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems


Featuring Guest Speakers:

  • Julie Chen, Chancellor, UMass Lowell
  • Austin Che, Ph.D., Founder of Ginkgo Bioworks
  • Stacy Swider, VP Investments, MassVentures

HEROES at NSSC Innovation Day

Innovation Day at Beacon Hill with the HEROES Staff in Front of a HEROES stand.

From left to right: Post doctoral researchers Anna Maria Routsi, Connor Sullivan, Ravi Mosurkal (HEROES Co-Director, US Army, DEVCOM SC), Adam Norton (Assistant Director, NERVE Center), Brigadier General David C. Trybula (Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army, DEVCOM SC), Christos Protonotarios (HEROES), and Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan, (Co-Director, HEROES).

The Massachusetts State House hosted the event on July 27, 2023

The HEROES Initiative recently participated in the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) Innovation Day at the Massachusetts State House. Researchers presented current research and advanced technologies to state senators and representatives, members of the media, and the public.

Protective Textiles: Bio-based Materials at HEROES

Soldier image cropped closely to their tan gloves on display with a dark background.

Learn how HEROES impacts the thriving industry of protective textiles, which is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in materials, technology, and increased safety awareness. It highlights the demand for textiles that protect against hazards and their potential applications in sectors like defense, healthcare, sports, and industrial safety, while also mentioning the need for research, innovation, and collaborations.

Read the article: Protective textiles: a sunrise sector.

Solar Powered Fabric Research at HEROES

Person in-front of blue background with: Fabric Discovery Center. Zoom in back of coat shows HEROES solar fabric research project on right.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), in partnership with Boston-based company Protect the Force and HEROES, at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, are developing a solar power charging fabric that can be worn by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

Read the article: New Solar Powered Clothing Can Charge Portable Devices on the EMSWorld website.