MITRE, University of Oklahoma to Collaborate on Critical National Priorities
McLean, Va., & Norman, Okla., Oct. 8, 2026 – From strengthening severe-weather preparedness to advancing national security, MITRE and the University of Oklahoma (OU) are joining forces to tackle some of the nation’s most critical challenges.
Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, MITRE and OU are formalizing and expanding their existing relationship, utilizing shared and complementary expertise to drive impactful research-to-operations work across weather, healthcare, energy, and national security domains.
MITRE and OU are already working to improve resilience to severe weather through collaboration to implement a national pilot program for the Unified Fire Warning System for wildland fire hazards. The organizations plan to further collaborate on the development of next-generation radar systems, advanced forecasting and emergency communications, sensing, AI-assisted modeling, and data assimilation and emulation for the nation’s weather forecasting system.
“Our nation’s hardest challenges cannot be tackled alone,” said Beth Meinert, senior vice president and general manager of MITRE Public Sector. “Our work with the talented scientists and researchers at OU will produce impactful and transformative innovations for MITRE’s federal sponsors and the nation.”
“Great research matters most when it reaches the people who need it. Our partnership with MITRE is built around that idea. We’re working together to turn OU’s expertise into tools that protect lives and strengthen the nation,” said Matt Hulver, vice president for research and partnerships at the University of Oklahoma.
About MITRE
MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to driving solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges. As a not-for-profit research and development organization, MITRE’s staff leverage our unique multi-sponsor vantage point, systems expertise, and innovative solutions to ensure the health, prosperity, and security of our nation.
About University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic, and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
MITRE Media Contact: Jordan Graham, media@mitre.org
OU Media Contact: Kat Gebauer: kathryngebauer@ou.edu