DEVCOM ARL executes research in 11 competencies that provide the Army foundational expertise and specialized capabilities grounded in scientific excellence and driven by unique Army challenges. The scientific knowledge created and exploited in the competencies is leveraged to develop new opportunities, build programs, align people and funding, and advise on future operational concepts.
Biological and Biotechnology Sciences
Biological related disciplines, including synthetic biology, biological materials, biological/abiological interfaces, and biological effect
Electromagnetic Spectrum Sciences
Novel approaches to sensing and operating across the entire electromagnetic (EM) environment; counter-sensing across the EM spectrum; protection from EM effects; emerging concepts for RF, radars, and electronic warfare (EW)
Energy Sciences
Science of mechanical and electrical power generation, storage, conditioning and distribution; energy conversion; and emerging concepts for lasers, directed energy (DE), DE protection and propagation
Humans in Complex Systems
Multi-disciplinary non-medical approaches to understand and modify the potential of humans situated in and interacting within complex social, technological, and socio-technical systems
Mechanical Sciences
Science of novel mechanics, mechanisms, and control to enable manned/unmanned ground and air vehicle concepts
Military Information Sciences
Underpinning sciences, physical autonomy, and enablers required to provide timely, mission-aware information to humans and systems at speed and scale for all-domain and coalition operations
Network, Cyber, and Computational Sciences
Sciences to enable and ensure secure resilient communication networks for distributed analytics in Multi-Domain Operations
Photonics, Electronics, and Quantum Sciences
Materials (and related manufacturing methods) and devices intended for achieving photonic, electronic, and quantum-based effects
Sciences of Extreme Materials
Materials and related manufacturing methods focusing on mechanical response and performance extremes, including active, adaptive, and flexible/soft materials; novel manufacturing science for energetic materials
Terminal Effects
Sciences and applied research of weapon target interactions
Weapons Sciences
Internal, transitional, and external ballistics; launch, flight, control, and navigation of guided weapons and aerial systems; development of novel weapon concepts