University of Washington was awarded a $9,617,731 federal contract modification by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the autonomous diagnostics to enable prevention and therapeutics program, which seeks an advanced instrument-free analytical platform capable of performing a wide range of nucleic acid amplification tests at low cost anywhere and with little or no user training.

Agilent Technologies Inc. and the University of Washington announced they will work together to create a new RF and microwave teaching laboratory and curriculum using the industry's latest test equipment. Agilent will provide FieldFox RF combination analyzers along with 89600 VSA software and EEsof EDA software in addition to some traditional RF bench equipment. The collaboration will create a superior student experience in the university's RF and microwave teaching labs. Agilent FieldFox analyzers are precise, multifunction, handheld RF and microwave instruments ideal for teaching and field environments. FieldFox combination analyzers can be configured to do the work of up to 10 instruments in a single unit. FieldFox provides precise measurements that agree with benchtop results, many of which are today's highest-performance microwave instruments. With a compact and lightweight design (3.0 kg, or 6.6 lbs), FieldFox analyzers enable education labs to optimize their classroom space, share equipment across labs, and perform lecture demonstrations without dragging around a rack of equipment.

UW Provost Ana Mari Cauce announced that Jeffrey Riedinger, professor and dean of International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University, has been named vice provost for global affairs at the University of Washington. Riedinger will assume his new position Sept. 1. Since 2007 Riedinger has been dean of International Studies and Programs at MSU. His responsibilities include facilitating multidisciplinary research and project collaborations, formulating proposals for external funding and strategic partnerships abroad to advance research, teaching, and engagement on critical global issues.