Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

R&E recently hosted an event to demonstrate next-generation autonomous systems designed to enhance naval operations, improve situational awareness, and bolster defense capabilities in an increasingly complex maritime environment. The event was conducted in support of the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities line-of-effort — known as Pillar II — and featured new and emerging technologies in preparation for future collaboration between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The MBP initiative provides a unique platform for the discovery of opportunities for cooperative development among AUKUS partners. By fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration, participants are identifying areas where joint research, development, assessment, and experimentation can advance combat capability in the maritime domain. More at: https://lnkd.in/gkJ-x2BF

Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) 24-2, taking place Aug. 17 – 29, is in full swing at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Last week, along with hosting Under Secretary Shyu and other R&E leaders, who got to see the 75 technologies being assessed, the experimentation also included a sling load drop demonstration of an autonomous underwater and surface vehicle (AUSV) by Indiana National Guard soldiers, and a visit from U.S. Rep. Greg Pence. The AUSV being assessed can sail and submerge autonomously to collect data above and below the ocean’s surface and relay critical information to commanders and other warfighters. R&E is leading the development and fielding of autonomous capabilities that support the United States Department of Defense’s Combined, Joint, All-Domain Command-and-Control (CJADC2) priority. The technologies assessed at T-REX 24-2 have the potential to move on to other training events, like Northern Edge and the upcoming Autonomous Warrior Exercise in Australia, for further evaluation prior to being approved by the Deputy Management Action Group for eventual transition to the services.

The Department of Defense today announced the selection of a team of American and Finnish academic researchers to investigate the fundamental questions that may give rise to revolutionary advances in future communication systems. The BARI program allows academic teams from the United States and partner countries to merge their unique skill sets and resources to pursue high-risk basic research. During the U.S.-Finland project's four-year period of performance, the U.S. research team will receive up to $4 million from the Basic Research Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering while the Finnish team will receive up to €3 million (about $3.3 million) from the Research Council of Finland. More at: https://lnkd.in/eaJjVzU9

This week, Under Secretary Shyu and other leaders from R&E’s Mission Capabilities (MC) office attended Distinguished Visitors Day Aug. 19 during Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) 24-2 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.  T-REX runs Aug. 17 – 29 and is part of the United States Department of Defense’s initiative to fast-track new joint capabilities to the services. R&E partners with the Indiana National Guard, which provides critical tactical and operational space at Camp Atterbury’s training grounds. Members of the Guard experiment with emerging technologies, providing valuable data and feedback used for further development. T-REX 24-2 includes more than 75 emerging technologies, which have the potential to move on to other training events, like Northern Edge and the upcoming Autonomous Warrior Exercise in Australia, for further evaluation prior to being approved by the Deputy Management Action Group for eventual transition to the services.

Academic leaders and Department of Defense (DoD) officials discussed research innovation partnerships at the National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technologies conference in Washington, D.C. The panel hosted by Dr. Binda Nair, director of Basic Research in the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, highlighted the collaborative approach between DoD and universities, emphasizing the significant contributions made by universities to national security. Key topics included the DoD's investments in physical sciences at universities, the role of universities in supporting national defense, and the Multi-Disciplinary University Research Initiative's impact on military capabilities. While acknowledging the progress achieved, the panel also emphasized the need to address challenges and accelerate efforts to ensure national security in the face of fast-moving near-peer competitors. To read more visit : https://lnkd.in/eRWshUV2 

The Department of Defense recently announced $46.8 million in grants to 19 university-based faculty teams under its Minerva Research Initiative. These three- to five-year awards support basic research in social and behavioral sciences on topics relevant to U.S. national security. "In a rapidly changing world, social science is essential for making sense of human behavior, guiding informed decisions, and understanding societal progress," said Dr. David Montgomery, said R&E's director of social science. More at: https://lnkd.in/eKSBdfSQ

The U.S. and UK academic researchers have been chosen by the Department of Defense to study the threat posed by social influence campaigns on democracies. Awarded through the Bilateral Academic Research Initiative (BARI)’s Social Science Program, the project, titled "Influence, Manipulation, and Information Threats as Adversarial Techniques: Events, Evolution, and Effects," will be led by professor Jacob Shapiro at Princeton University and professor Martin Innes at Cardiff University.     The U.S. research team will receive up to $2.6 million, and the UK team will receive up to £2.87 million over the three-year project period of performance. This collaboration aims to address and counteract misinformation and manipulation spread by hostile states to destabilize democracies.    For more information on the BARI social science program, visit: https://lnkd.in/eZx8Pvkv 

Dr. Aprille Ericsson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, and Jeffrey Singleton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, recently visited the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, where they toured the Detonation Science Facility along with staff in addition to learning more about the long-term workforce investments at Indian Head.     The NSWC IHD is at the forefront of the mission to deliver range, speed and terminal effects via energetics advancements and is an important part of the United States Department of Defense’s innovation ecosystem. 

On Aug. 12, Under Secretary Shyu hosted Takeshi Ishikawa, commissioner of the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), Japan Ministry of Defense, for the annual Defense Science & Technology Cooperation Group (DSTCG) meeting in Washington, D.C.     Shyu and Ishikawa discussed current and future defense science and technology cooperative efforts to develop operationally relevant and strategically significant defense capabilities. Specific topics included advanced materials and directed energy.      #DODInnovates #DefensePartners   

At the NDIA Emerging Technology conference last week, Dr. Peter Emanuel, senior research scientist for bioengineering at U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center, introduced a one-hour session on Biotechnology featuring Dr. Jeff Stuart, engineered biology lead at Lockheed Martin Corporate Research & Technology, and Caitlin Gearen Frazer, executive director at the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB). The session highlighted biotechnology's role in advancing critical and emerging technologies to strengthen supply chains for defense.  The investment and funding in biotechnology now are crucial for long-term benefits, as biotech is poised to make transformative changes in the global economy and security environment. The panel provided insights into the successful transition of research through various initiatives and partnerships. The discussion spotlighted the success and the $1 billion investment into biotechnology from Congress, highlighting the significant support for biotechnology initiatives. For more information on defense biotechnology opportunities, visit www.Biotech.senate.org and EBRC.org. #EmergingTechETI