Defense Research Sciences

The Defense Research Sciences program is designed to enhance the United States Army's technological edge in land warfare and address long-term national security needs. This initiative explores new concepts and technologies for the Army's future force, fostering innovation in areas such as lightweight armor, energetic materials, and night vision capabilities. It also focuses on areas with limited commercial investment, like vaccines for tropical diseases, and supports university research in high-interest fields such as high-density compact power and novel sensor phenomenology.

A key component of this program is the In-House Laboratory Independent Research (ILIR) initiative, which supports basic research at Army laboratories. The ILIR program acts as a catalyst for major technology breakthroughs by allowing laboratory directors the flexibility to implement novel research ideas. It nurtures promising young scientists and engineers, helping to attract and retain top talent. The program provides competitive opportunities for peer-reviewed efforts at Army laboratories to stimulate high-quality, innovative research with significant potential payoff for Army warfighting capabilities.

The Defense Research Sciences program also identifies emerging and disruptive basic scientific research outcomes to integrate these findings with Army Warfighting Concepts. These concepts outline how the Army will operate in the far-term future, ensuring that scientific advancements align with strategic military objectives. The work conducted under this program aligns with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and supports the Army Modernization Strategy.

The Defense Research Sciences program plays a crucial role in advancing the Army's scientific capabilities by leveraging research efforts from government agencies, academia, and industry. It ensures that the Army remains at the forefront of technological innovation while addressing critical challenges related to national security and military effectiveness.