At BEYA STEM Conference, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin delivered a powerful address that underscored the intersection of national security, technological innovation, and the untapped potential of historically underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As the first Black Secretary of Defense, Austin’s message was not just about defending the nation from emerging threats—it was about empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders to shape that defense.
"Over the past 37 years, this organization has recognized outstanding American patriots and innovators," Austin told the audience. "Past Black Engineers of the Year have been electrical engineers, pilots, astronauts, and physicists. They've made huge breakthroughs, broken down barriers, and been driven to serve and make the world better while lifting up the next generation."
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Secretary of Defense
Secretary of Defense with Dr. Colin and Boeing's Ted Colbert
His words struck a chord with the crowd of engineers, scientists, and students, many of whom had faced similar obstacles. Austin knows firsthand the importance of breaking barriers. And in a rapidly evolving world, where cyber threats, artificial intelligence (AI), and space exploration have become battlegrounds for global leadership, he made it clear: inclusion in STEM is not just a moral imperative—it’s essential for maintaining America's competitive edge.
As the Secretary of Defense, Austin’s mission is to keep the United States ahead of 21st-century threats. But for Austin, advancing military technology isn’t just about developing cutting-edge tools—it's about tapping into one of America's greatest strengths: its diversity. "At the Department of Defense, it's our mission to keep the United States safe from a range of 21st-century threats," Austin said. "And that means developing even more advanced technology to sharpen our edge. It also means drawing on one of America’s core strengths—our unmatched combination of free enterprise, free minds, and free people."
The Secretary then made a landmark announcement that could significantly shift the course of both defense research and diversity in STEM: the Department of Defense is partnering with Howard University to establish the first-ever University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) at an HBCU. "This exciting initiative brings together a consortium of nine HBCUs under Howard's leadership to research tactical autonomy and develop innovative ways to make our military smarter, faster, and safer."
This isn’t just about elevating Howard University—it’s a critical step in ensuring that Black voices are at the forefront of military innovation. UARCs are research powerhouses that help drive advancements in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and defense technologies. The fact that this is the first UARC led by an HBCU is monumental. It acknowledges both the historical underrepresentation of Black professionals in these fields and the potential to correct that course.
Why does this matter? For Austin, it's not just about representation; it's about readiness. The world is changing quickly. China, among other nations, is pushing forward in areas like AI and autonomous systems, and the U.S. military must keep pace. The Howard-led research consortium will focus on tactical autonomy—technology that enables systems to operate independently with minimal human intervention. These innovations will be critical for national defense, allowing the military to respond faster and more efficiently to emerging threats, from cyberattacks to future conflicts.
"The research into tactical autonomy is key to making our military smarter, faster, and safer," Austin said. "And I know that’s going to do a lot of good for all of us."
For the Secretary, this initiative is just one part of a broader effort to bring more diverse talent into national defense. Austin is keenly aware that the next generation of scientists and engineers will determine the U.S. military's future capabilities. "We’ve all got to step up to support talented young students," he urged. "Like so many of you in this room, you are our future, and we will all be better off when you reach your full potential."
Austin's message was clear: the challenges of the future—whether they be in AI, space, or cybersecurity—can’t be solved by the same small pool of talent that has historically been at the helm. The nation needs a broader, more inclusive range of voices shaping these fields. And the Howard UARC represents a vital opportunity to include Black engineers, scientists, and researchers in the most critical aspects of defense innovation.
As he closed, Austin urged the audience to take up the mantle of mentorship and service. "Let’s challenge one another to do even more to support the young people who are America’s future," he said. "Be a mentor, be a source of support, be the shoulders for others to stand on."
Lloyd Austin’s vision for the future of American defense isn’t just about building more advanced weapons or pioneering new technologies—it’s about ensuring that the country’s brightest minds, from every background, are part of shaping that future. In a world where the stakes have never been higher, innovation and inclusion must go hand in hand.