Human Effectiveness Applied Research

PE 0602202F: Human Effectiveness Applied Research is a program element within the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget, focused on advancing applied research to optimize human performance, training, safety, and integration with advanced technologies. The overarching goal is to mature science and technology solutions that enhance airmen and guardian effectiveness in multi-domain operations, preparing these capabilities for integration into combat and support systems. The program supports Department of the Air Force priorities, including man-machine teaming, supervisory control of collaborative combat aircraft, and skill training for multi-capable airmen and agile combat employment.

Enterprise Transformational Applied Research aims to accelerate the technology pipeline for transformational capabilities by reducing risk and maturing multidisciplinary technologies. This line item supports feasibility studies and demonstrations through the Seedlings for Disruptive Capabilities Program (SDCP), engaging industry, government labs, and academia. The research is designed to enable solutions for operational imperatives and critical technology areas, with emphasis on modeling, simulation, and analytic technologies to predict future outcomes and technology needs. Workforce development and broadening partnerships are also key objectives to ensure agility and flexibility in meeting evolving Air Force demands.

Learning and Operational Readiness focuses on advancing the science of human perception, learning, information processing, and action to enable warfighter decision superiority. Research is divided into learning and operational training, and digital models of cognition. Objectives include developing personalized, proficiency-based training ecosystems, supporting pilot and medical training, and integrating digital twins into simulation environments. The program also investigates cognitive modeling, fatigue prediction, and adaptive team training paradigms. Efforts aim to enhance training fidelity using augmented and virtual reality, and to optimize human-machine co-learning for joint all-domain operations.

Biosciences Performance conducts bioengineering and biotechnology research to safeguard and restore airman performance in diverse environments. Key focus areas are applied cognitive neurosciences, biotechnology for performance, performance sensing and assessment, and performance impact of flight. The program develops real-time, minimally-invasive sensing technologies, predictive algorithms for physical and cognitive states, and interventions such as engineered probiotics and neuromodulation devices. It also addresses aircrew injury mitigation, Onboard Oxygen Generation System enhancements, and digital transformation of data infrastructure for machine learning and AI-driven analytics. Congressional adds in FY 2025 include research for the F-35 helmet mounted display system.

Warfighter Interfaces and Teaming supports research to achieve decision superiority through advanced human-machine interfaces, joint-cognitive systems, and distributed teaming. The project investigates collaborative interfaces, multisensory perception, human-machine interactions, and distributed teaming and communication. Objectives include developing resilient command and control tools, intelligent decision aids, and adaptive communication systems for multi-domain operations. FY 2026 sees a strategic shift, consolidating collaborative interfaces and multisensory perception activities into distributed teaming and communication, with expanded research on AI-enabled planning, cognitive warfare interfaces, and standardization across autonomous platforms.

Bioeffects conducts applied research on the effects of human exposure to electromagnetic energy, supporting the safe and effective deployment of directed energy weapons. The program includes laboratory experiments to understand the mechanisms of interaction with biological systems, modeling and simulation of bioeffects, and development of exposure standards. Research areas cover novel directed energy bioeffects, injury threshold parameterization, vision effects, and protective strategies. The modeling and simulation thrust advances dose-response models, high-resolution anatomical simulations, and machine learning approaches to support operational risk assessment and integration into mission-level analysis tools.

Across all projects, the Human Effectiveness Applied Research program supports the technical workforce, facility operations, and compliance with government efficiency initiatives. The FY 2026 budget reflects increased emphasis on human effectiveness research, particularly for man-machine teaming and advanced training technologies, while also implementing reductions in advisory services and civilian personnel to align with executive orders. The program is structured within Budget Activity 2, Applied Research, focusing on studies and technology maturation for general military needs and future capability integration.