News Releases

Researchers have touted the revolutionary potential of quantum computers to take on otherwise intractable challenges, like modeling complex molecular behavior for drug discovery or factoring enormous numbers in use for cryptography schemes. But how such a computer would be created remains unclear. With help from Johns Hopkins APL, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is attempting to define, in practical terms, what a useful quantum computer looks like and how it must be built.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins APL, in collaboration with Samsung Research, have unveiled a breakthrough in solid-state cooling technology, doubling the efficiency of today’s commercial systems. Driven by the Lab’s patented nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric materials and devices, this innovation paves the way for compact, reliable and scalable cooling solutions that could potentially replace traditional compressors across a range of industries.

APL recently released the report on the nation’s first space weather tabletop exercise held last year, which simulated a severe space weather event. The report identifies key findings and recommendations for improving the nation’s response to space weather events.

The Johns Hopkins APL-led team working on the first rotorcraft designed for scientific exploration on another ocean world has passed its Critical Design Review, a major milestone confirming that Dragonfly’s design is mature and the team can turn its attention to construction and testing of the spacecraft itself.

Dave Van Wie has been selected to lead Johns Hopkins APL as its next director. Van Wie, currently the Air and Missile Defense Sector Head at APL, is a distinguished leader and scholar whose groundbreaking contributions to national defense and aerospace engineering have significantly advanced our nation’s security. His appointment is effective July 14.

A team from APL played a central role in a recent Defense Department wargame that addressed the challenges of protecting logistics infrastructure against growing adversarial threats.

Johns Hopkins APL researchers are advancing robotic perception by using artificial intelligence to equip autonomous agents with the capacity to make sense of unstructured environments — and make plans just like humans.