In an era when federal funding for research is scarce, UW-Milwaukee has taken steps toward a data security certification that will make its researchers eligible for a wider range of federal projects. The Office of Research hopes it also offers area companies new ways to collaborate with UWM. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a set of federal data security protocols required for universities and companies involved in defense-related projects. UWM achieved the Level 1 certification in January and is working to reach Level 2 certification by November, said Ali Abedi, vice chancellor for research. By opening a potential source of research funding, CMMC could aid the university’s efforts to retain its status as a “highest research activity” institution, often called R1. To achieve Level 1 certification, UWM had to confirm that it uses cybersecurity practices that keep even non-classified research information secure. These measures include university policies and basic tools such as door locks, cameras in some research-related spaces and access control lists that give only certain people access to labs. Level 2 certification is more rigorous and expensive to achieve. It involves building secure lab spaces and creating a secure data enclave, an isolated portion of the university’s computer network. Simply accessing calls for proposals for these federal projects requires a secure channel, Abedi said. He intends to apply for grants to fund the Level 2 upgrades. No other universities in Wisconsin currently have Level 2 certification, although UW-Madison and UWM are both working toward it. “We are trying to work together as much as possible,” Abedi said, to find cost savings. For example, the two universities could share the consultants needed to achieve the certification. Bringing more defense-industry jobs to Wisconsin UWM and WisPolitics recently co-hosted a panel discussion that considered ways universities and industry can cooperate