
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.
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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.
Related News
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News
Nov 10, 2022Moon Maneuvers: Johns Hopkins APL Envisions Strategy and Technology Needed for Lunar and Cislunar Space
As space becomes increasingly easy to access through the proliferation of commercial launch vehicles, cislunar space and the lunar surface are poised to become the world’s next great frontier. Two APL teams are exploring the strategy, policy and technology needed to promote peaceful, collaborative use of this region in the years to come. -
Press Release
Aug 22, 20222022 Discovery Awards Fund Johns Hopkins APL Projects in Robotics Sensors, Public Health and Food Systems
Four teams featuring APL investigators have earned Johns Hopkins Discovery Awards. Covering work in areas ranging from sustainable materials to social sciences to artificial intelligence, the research awards encourage cross-university collaborations that promise high-quality and impactful results. -
News
Mar 14, 2021Johns Hopkins APL Helps DARPA OFFSET Program Take Flight
As part of DARPA’s OFFSET program, an APL team proved fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could have quadcopter UAV agility and mobility but add greater range, endurance and speed. -
Press Release
Feb 1, 2021Latest Discovery Awards Fund Johns Hopkins APL-Led Projects in Public Health Messaging, Detecting Pathogens and Detecting Unconscious Bias
Three principal investigators from APL were among researchers from across the Johns Hopkins enterprise to earn funding in the sixth round of the Johns Hopkins Discovery Awards program. -
Press Release
Oct 6, 2020Johns Hopkins APL Signs Licensing Agreement with Sternberger’s BLOCKsynop
The first winner of the Archimedes Award, Wayne Sternberger, signed a licensing agreement with APL’s Tech Transfer Office for his newly formed company, BLOCKsynop, to begin commercializing a neural blockade monitor.