U-M VP for Research and Innovation Prof. Lupia Highlights U.S. Army Partnership and Digital Innovation at ARC Annual Review 2025

At the ARC Annual Review 2025, held June 17–18 in Ann Arbor, Prof. Arthur Lupia, Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan, delivered opening remarks that underscored the university’s leadership in defense innovation and its growing partnership with the U.S. Army.

Addressing an audience of over 250 leaders from federal agencies, defense industries, and academia, Prof. Lupia: • Thanked the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) for its continued collaboration and strategic investment in U-M and the Automotive Research Center (ARC) • Highlighted the transformative potential of digital twins, robotics, and automation in accelerating defense modernization • Reaffirmed that the U-M research enterprise is deeply committed to advancing technologies that benefit both national defense and Michigan’s innovation economy • Pledged the full support of the Office of the Vice President for Research in strengthening ARC’s mission and partnerships

Prof. Lupia’s remarks reflected the strength of the ARC–GVSC collaboration that resulted in the longest-lasting and highest-funded research center in the history of the College of Engineering. He emphasized U-M’s commitment to delivering impact through interdisciplinary research, technological excellence, and mission-aligned innovation.