Lincoln Laboratory Research Program

The Lincoln Laboratory Research Program, under the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is dedicated to advancing technology research and development through a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Its primary objective is to address critical national security challenges by supporting innovative research that leads to new system concepts and technologies. The program encompasses eight technology areas, including four core areas: Advanced Devices, Optical Systems and Technology, Information, Computation and Exploitation Sciences, and Radio-Frequency (RF) Systems and Technologies. Additionally, it supports three emerging initiatives: Advanced Materials and Processes, Quantum System Sciences, and Autonomous Systems. An Integrated Systems area focuses on combining novel component-level technologies to create system-level solutions for significant Department of Defense (DoD) challenges.

The Lincoln Laboratory project emphasizes strategic technology capabilities across established and emerging mission areas. Each year, MIT Lincoln Laboratory collaborates with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to select projects that address technology gaps in national security. These projects are chosen based on their potential to accelerate development, significantly impact DoD capabilities, and provide innovation in critical technology areas. The selection process is highly competitive, with demand for resources exceeding supply by nearly threefold. Successful projects often lead to advanced capabilities that foster further sponsored-program development.

The Cyber Security, Science and Engineering project focuses on developing technologies to protect systems against cyber-attacks and exploitation. This initiative supports innovative research addressing critical national security problems in cyber domains. It funds high-risk, high-payoff research that leads to new system concepts, technologies, and algorithms supporting DoD missions. The project aims to assure the resilience of DoD missions against cyber threats by integrating traditional and cyber domains, developing AI-based capabilities for cyber analysis, building resilient mission systems with untrustworthy components, and deploying prototype technology in national-level exercises.

The Lincoln Laboratory Research Program aims to enhance DoD capabilities significantly through its diverse research areas. By focusing on both core and emerging technologies alongside integrated systems solutions, the program seeks to solve long-standing problems while adapting to emerging challenges within the defense sector. Through collaboration with various DoD agencies and alignment with strategic priorities, this program plays a crucial role in advancing technological innovations that support national security objectives.