Applied Research for the Advancement of S&T Priorities

Applied Research for the Advancement of Science and Technology (S&T) Priorities, is a Department of Defense initiative aimed at building a sustainable technical advantage and a resilient joint force and defense ecosystem. This program supports the development of a strong future technical workforce and laboratory capabilities in critical emerging technology areas within the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) Technology Vision for an Era of Competition. It funds tri-Service applied researchers to work with university and industry partners, accelerating DoD learning and technology development for new capabilities. The program also enables concept exploration efforts and studies of alternative concepts, aligning with DoD S&T priorities and designated focus areas. Additionally, it provides support to the S&T Communities of Interest (CoIs) to ensure multi-agency collaboration and coordination.

The Applied Research for the Advancement of Science and Technology (S&T) Priorities program has three investment areas: large, three-year applied research programs selected by the S&T Executives; smaller, two-year technology ‘seedling’ programs nominated by the S&T Communities of Interest (CoIs) to address technology gaps or opportunities; and technology assessment and study support to the CoIs. The program focuses on cross-cutting S&T efforts that foster tri-service research areas of common interest, giving the joint warfighter a technological advantage. It supports emerging areas of science, building expertise within DoD laboratories, including investment in laboratory infrastructure and people, as well as research areas that are a foundation for further investments by the Services following project completion. The program's planned projects include initiatives such as Surface Morphing and Adaptive Structures for Hypersonics (SMASH) and Advanced Power Electronics and Extreme-RF (APEX), which aim to address critical technological needs in defense.