About the Defense Sciences Office
The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) works to identify and create the next generation of scientific discovery to fuel innovation throughout the Agency and beyond.
Known as “DARPA’s DARPA,” DSO develops and manages an aggressive and forward-leaning portfolio that expands the art of the possible across a broad set of technical areas. By pushing science toward fundamental operational limits, our programs create a strategic advantage for the DOD. Our work is global in scale, as we monitor and drive the technological landscape and potential impacts on our military and our nation.
The DSO portfolio ranges from early idea development and scientific validation to prototype demonstration. Our primary solicitation mechanisms include Advanced Research Concepts (early idea scouting), Disruption Opportunities (validation of scientific and technical challenges), and Broad Area Announcements (capability demonstrations).
Thrust areas
Novel Materials and Structures
- Science and technology in quantum devices
- Atomic scale systems
- Functional and structural materials
Sensing and Measurement
- Science and technology in quantum sensing and metrology
- Seeing (sensing) the unseen
- Novel light sources
Computation and Processing
- Science and technology of quantum computing
- Cryptography, and modeling of complex systems
Enabling Operations
- Technologies to support space-based operations
- Tactically remote environments
- Resource assurance
Collective Intelligence
- Exploration of complex social systems
- Adaptable artificial intelligence (AI)
- AI-accelerated learning
Emerging Threats
- National security concerns related to global issues associated with raw material availability
- Environmental catastrophes
- Digital societies
The above samples under each thrust are not exhaustive.
Programs
Our research programs are finite in duration, but the revolutionary advancements they drive create lasting change. Learn more about recent and ongoing efforts across our key thrust areas. See all programs
Program Managers
Our program managers are visionary leaders whose experience spans industry, government, and academia. They conceive, plan, and oversee the high-risk R&D efforts for which we are best known. See all people at DARPA
Our approach rewards visionary thinking, ambitious risk-taking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. See how we do it.
The Heilmeier Catechism
DARPA operates on the principle that generating big rewards requires taking big risks. But how does the Agency determine what risks are worth taking?
End-to-end business process integration framework
Designed to improve cross-functional DoD processes through BPR, business improvement, and interoperability support.
Contracting vehicles
DARPA’s CMO can enter and administer contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions to fulfill its research and development mission.