Defense Research Sciences

The Defense Research Sciences program element (PE 0601101E), managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is a foundational basic research initiative that underpins the Department of Defense's (DoD) long-term national security objectives. The program's overarching goal is to discover new scientific phenomena and explore their potential for defense applications, providing the technical basis for future advanced technologies. This program element supports a wide range of scientific study and experimentation in information, electronic, mathematical, computer, and materials sciences. It is structured to foster innovation and facilitate the transition of DARPA-funded technologies into operational defense capabilities.

Math and Computer Sciences (CCS-02) is the largest project within this program element, focusing on the development of new mathematical and computational algorithms, models, and mechanisms. Its objectives include advancing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computational social science, quantum science, and complex systems modeling. Key initiatives include the Young Faculty Award (YFA) to cultivate the next generation of defense researchers, the Intrinsic Cognitive Security (ICS) program to protect mixed reality users from cognitive attacks, and the Enhanced SBOM for Optimized Software Sustainment (E-BOSS) to improve software vulnerability remediation. Other efforts such as Scientific Feasibility (SciFy), Advanced Tools for Modeling and Simulation, and Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) explore automated scientific assessment, complex system modeling, and high-risk/high-reward research. The project also addresses AI robustness, knowledge management, human-machine teaming, and software security through programs like PROVERS, TRACTOR, AI FORGE, and expMath.

Electronic Sciences (ES-01) is dedicated to the basic exploration of electronic and optoelectronic devices, circuits, and processing concepts. The primary goal is to meet the military's need for near real-time information gathering, transmission, and processing. The Atomic-Photonic Integration (A-PhI) program aims to miniaturize atomic clocks and gyroscopes for position, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications, providing GPS-independent solutions for critical DoD missions. Research in this area also includes analog, mixed-signal, and photonic circuitry, alternative computer architectures, and magnetic components to reduce the size and power requirements of electromagnetic and sensing systems.

Beyond Scaling Sciences (ES-02) supports research into materials, devices, and architectures that deliver disruptive improvements in electronics performance through means other than traditional transistor scaling. Notable efforts include the Joint University Microelectronics Program 2.0 (JUMP 2.0), which fosters university-industry collaboration to develop next-generation microelectronics, and the Compartmentalization and Privilege Management (CPM) program, which aims to enhance cybersecurity by compartmentalizing software systems. The project also investigates advanced microsystems manufacturing technologies and low-temperature logic technologies to sustain U.S. leadership in microelectronics as silicon scaling approaches physical limits.

Materials Sciences (MS-01) provides fundamental research that supports the design, development, and optimization of advanced materials, devices, and systems for defense applications. The Fundamental Limits thrust explores the boundaries of scientific principles across physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, with applications in quantum information processing, sensing, and energetic materials. The Molecular Systems and Materials Assembly initiative investigates new synthesis and assembly methods for materials, aiming to enhance supply chains, logistics, and warfighter capabilities. Emerging Opportunities in Materials Sciences explores novel approaches at the intersection of quantum science, nanoscience, and materials science to address critical national security needs.

Transformative Sciences (TRS-01) focuses on leveraging converging trends in life sciences, data sciences, and manufacturing to address DoD challenges such as emerging threats, critical materials access, and warfighter readiness. Programs under this project include Rapid Healing for Warfighter Injuries, which developed biosensor and bioactuator technologies for accelerated wound healing, and Engineering Functional Materials with Biology, which pursued new approaches to engineer biological systems for enhanced military infrastructure and logistics. These efforts integrate diverse scientific disciplines to engineer complex biological systems and develop new platform materials and manufacturing processes.