Human Effectiveness Applied Research

The Human Effectiveness Applied Research program, part of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts, focuses on enhancing airmen training and performance through various applied research projects. The Learning and Operational Readiness project aims to advance training agility and performance assessment science. This supports personalized, proficiency-based readiness for warfighters by developing digital models of cognition to improve mission effectiveness and exploring methods for interactive learning between humans and AI-enabled machines.

The Biosciences Performance project is dedicated to optimizing Airman performance across multiple domains through research in bioengineering and biotechnology. This includes applied cognitive neurosciences to sustain operator performance and biotechnology for performance enhancement. Additionally, it assesses the impact of flight on physiological equilibrium and explores advanced sensing technologies to monitor cognitive states. The project also develops interventions that safeguard Airman health.

Warfighter Interfaces and Teaming research seeks to integrate advanced interface technology with decision-aiding tools to enhance collaboration between Airmen and intelligent machines. Focus areas include human-machine interactions for decision superiority and distributed teaming for improved communication among warfighters. This involves developing new tools for adaptive communication management and enhancing situational awareness in joint operations.

The Bioeffects project investigates the effects of electromagnetic energy exposure on human physiology to support the deployment of directed energy systems. It aims to understand the bioeffects mechanisms of novel directed energy weapons and develop modeling tools for simulating these effects. The research supports the creation of exposure standards and policies to ensure safe use while maximizing operational capabilities in combat environments.