Department of Defense Overview
The Department of Defense’s research and engineering interests are focused on contributions that are critical to the nation’s defense with respect to novel or extended capabilities of military systems, rapid technology innovation, and healthcare of warfighters and veterans. To various degrees, the agencies fund basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development. The primary offices/programs that fund university research are listed below.
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
AFOSR invests in basic research efforts organized into four scientific divisions, each with 6-10 sub-divisions: Engineering and Complex Systems; Information and Networks; Physical Sciences; and Chemistry and Biological Sciences. Funding opportunities, strategic plans, and presentations from past meetings and reviews can be accessed here. - Army Research Office (ARO)
The ARO extramural basic research program is focused on steering and oversight of systematic studies to increase fundamental knowledge and understanding in the Physical Sciences, Information Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering Sciences. The ARO research program consists principally of extramural academic research efforts consisting of single investigator efforts, university-affiliated research centers, and specially tailored outreach programs. Programs are formulated in consultation with the other Army Research Laboratory Directorates. - Basic Research Office (BRO)
The Basic Research Office (BRO) is the Department-wide strategic thread in ensuring future capability. BRO works with academia, industry, and government partners to foster collaborations, shape priorities, and forge pathways in scientific investment areas that aim to establish new and strengthened alliances with international allies, insertion of new innovations into programs of record, and long-term scientific and technological superiority. - Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP)
The CDMRP funds novel approaches to biomedical research in response to the expressed needs of the American public, the military, and Congress. The funds and topics are authorized yearly so program areas of interest may change more rapidly than those within other agencies. The Army Medical Research and Materiel Command manages the CDMRP. - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
DARPA seeks multi-disciplinary approaches to both advance knowledge through basic research and create innovative technologies through applied research. DARPA is divided into six technical offices that each release an annual BAA, fund “seedling” efforts for novel ideas, and solicit proposals focused on a particular topic. The agency often hosts Proposer’s Day workshops/webinars to provide information and guidance to potential applicants. The workshop presentation slides, FAQs, and other relevant information are posted on DARPA’s Opportunities webpage. - Office of Naval Research (ONR)
The ONR Office of Research portfolio makes broad investments in basic and applied research that will increase fundamental knowledge, seeking a balance between risk, opportunity, and potential naval impact. Key research initiatives include Basic Research Challenge, University Research Initiative, and Young Investigator Program.