Independent Research and Development
A cornerstone of innovation at APL
From a multitiered grant system and robust research and leadership development programs to leading-edge collaboration initiatives and workspaces, Johns Hopkins APL fuels creativity and new ideas at every level.
Our Independent Research and Development (IRAD) program is a cornerstone of innovation at the Laboratory. These investigations, proposed by APL staff members as individuals or as teams, are focused on strengthening the Laboratory’s technical competencies and our national defense research capabilities through basic and applied research, system and concept formulation studies, and development, with dissemination of results.
Managed by APL’s mission areas, IRADs allow funding for APL staff members to pursue ideas that are not currently funded by sponsors but address domains or areas of interest to the Laboratory and the nation. Many IRAD projects have matured into sponsored work that has had real impact on our nation.
A Culture of Innovation
Innovation at APL is woven into everything we do. Learn more about the wide-ranging innovation programs and initiatives designed to encourage and fund our staff members in their exploration of ideas, inspirations, and drive to discover.
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