Basic Research Initiatives

The Basic Research Initiatives, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aim to foster transformative scientific breakthroughs that enhance military capabilities. This program supports the Department of Defense's (DoD) strategic goals by investing in fundamental research across a wide range of disciplines, including physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences. The initiatives focus on creating conditions for high-payoff research outcomes and sustaining a talented workforce capable of supporting future DoD needs. Key components include oversight and coordination of basic research efforts and fostering collaborations between universities, industry, and government entities.

The Minerva Research Initiative is a key component of these efforts, focusing on social science research to improve understanding of security-related issues. It supports university-based projects that explore the social, cultural, behavioral, and political dynamics influencing regions critical to U.S. strategic interests. By partnering with military education institutions and organizations like the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Minerva aims to bridge the gap between academic research and defense needs. The initiative seeks to inform DoD strategies by providing insights into geopolitical power dynamics and other relevant topics.

Another significant element is the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship program, which supports innovative university researchers in areas vital to national defense. The fellowship encourages groundbreaking research in fields such as quantum information science, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. By fostering long-term relationships between academia and the DoD, this program aims to integrate cutting-edge scientific advancements into defense strategies. Collaborative efforts with DoD laboratories through initiatives like the Laboratory-University Collaboration Initiative (LUCI) promote knowledge exchange and enhance the skills of the defense science workforce.

These programs are strategically aligned with DoD priorities to ensure technological superiority. They emphasize collaboration across sectors and international partnerships to leverage diverse expertise and resources. Through these efforts, the initiatives aim to sustain a robust scientific community that can address emerging challenges and contribute significantly to national security objectives.