The University of Hawai'i was chosen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the co-leader of a new Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island and Port Security.

UH will receive a grant of up to $2 million a year over the next four to six years. UH will co-lead the center along with the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J.

Five new centers across the country have been selected to study border security and immigration; explosives detection, mitigation, and response; maritime, island and port security; natural disasters, coastal infrastructure, and emergency management; and transportation security.

According to DOH, the UH center will conduct research and develop technologies, tools and advanced methods to strengthen maritime safety.