06.13.24

Durbin Meets With Director Of DARPA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to discuss Illinois’ role in research and development (R&D) in the defense industry.  During their meeting, Durbin reiterated that Illinois is a strong candidate for continued investment in emerging technologies such as quantum computing.  Illinois has proven to be an environment conducive to innovation, research, and economic growth given its vibrant financial, academia, workforce, and industry ecosystem.

“Illinois has always been at the forefront of innovation, helping to propel the nation forward,” said Durbin.  “Today, I met with DARPA Director Dr. Stefanie Tompkins to discuss how Illinois can continue to build on that legacy in the technologies of the future.”

A photo of the meeting is available here.

DARPA is the premier Department of Defense (DOD) R&D agency in emerging technologies, known for funding projects that expand the frontiers of technology and science beyond immediate military needs.  DARPA has a long history of funding research in Illinois, from supporting the work of private industry and non-profits to funding research at higher education institutions across the State.

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