Basic Research Initiatives
Abstract
Basic research provides the DoD with a deep and broad awareness of current directions in science and engineering through the scientific performers in areas of research that are important to U.S. military capabilities including, among others, physics and the physical sciences, materials science, chemistry and chemical engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, mechanical and aerodynamic engineering, ocean sciences, biological sciences, and the social sciences. Basic research sustains scientific and engineering communities in areas that form the critical technical underpinnings of DoD capabilities. Basic research through exploration and discovery provides the unique means for disruptive non-incremental advances that can improve or radically change military capabilities, strategy, and operations. The Minerva Research Initiative is a university-based social science basic research program directed from within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and executed by the Services, consistent with the January 2012 priorities document "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense" and the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) requirements. This program seeks to build a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political forces that shape regions of the world of strategic importance to the United States. The Strategic Support for Basic Research (SSBR) program funds initiatives to implement the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)) strategic plan for defense basic research. This plan defines specific and quantifiable actions to help create conditions for defense basic research investments capable of creating high-payoff, transformative scientific breakthroughs for DoD. The SSBR initiatives support the five aims of (1) providing scientific leadership; (2) attracting the Nation’s best Scientists and Engineers (S&Es); (3) ensuring the coherence and balance of the Basic Research portfolio; (4) fostering connections between DoD performers and DoD; and (5) improving the efficiency of the defense research business environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Source ID
- P010_0601110D8Z_1_0400_PB_2015
Related Documents
- Root: Basic Research Initiatives
- Child Accomplishment: Minerva Research Initiative
- Child Accomplishment: Strategic Support for Basic Research (SSBR)