The University of Hawai'i has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the co-leader of a new Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island, and Port Security.

UH will receive a grant of up to $2 million per year over a period of four to six years.

UH will co-lead the center along with the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J.

Five new centers across the country have been selected to study border security and immigration; explosives detection, mitigation, and response; maritime, island, and port security; natural disasters, coastal infrastructure, and emergency management; and transportation security.

According to DOH, the UH center will conduct research and develop technologies, tools, and advanced methods to strengthen maritime safety.

The University of Hawaii will lead research and education for maritime and island security, and Stevens Institute of Technology will lead research and education for port security.