
Mission Area
Research and Exploratory Development
Inventing the Future for APL and Our Nation
The Research and Exploratory Development (RED) Mission Area is Johns Hopkins APL’s research engine. We conduct pioneering research targeting game-changing breakthroughs to benefit national security missions. While each program within the RED Mission Area has a specific research focus, we recognize that innovation often happens at the intersection of technical disciplines. Therefore, we bring together multidisciplinary teams of talented scientists and engineers to tackle difficult challenges and invent the future for APL and our sponsors.
RED Mission Area Executive: Andrew Merkle
Research Programs
Highlights
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Eliminating Forever Chemicals
Multiple studies have linked PFAS exposure to harmful health effects in humans and animals, and without a natural way to break them down, the chemicals persist in soil and contaminate the environment — including water. APL scientists are developing several technologies to capture and destroy these "forever chemicals." -
Climate Security
Climate change is reshaping nearly every aspect of life on our planet, with significant implications for national security. APL is bringing all of its core competencies to bear on this critical challenge area, exploring strategic opportunities to make the greatest impact on climate change. -
Revolutionizing Prosthetics
Revolutionizing Prosthetics is an ambitious multiyear program—funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)—to create a neurally controlled artificial limb that will restore near-natural motor and sensory capability to upper-extremity amputee patients.
Recent News
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News
May 22, 2023Subtracting Time From Additive Materials Development
Johns Hopkins APL researchers developed a framework of enabling capabilities to speed up the additive manufacturing process and quickly create materials for extremely specific mission requirements. -
Press Release
May 18, 2023Johns Hopkins APL Explores Alternatives to PFAS in Firefighting Foams
As the Department of Defense aims to extinguish use of PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foams for firefighting on military bases in 2024, APL researchers are evaluating additives to enhance firefighting capabilities of PFAS-free fire suppressants for military use. -
News
May 11, 2023Master Inventor Miragliotta Taps into the Power of Teamwork
To solve complex challenges, Joe Miragliotta brings together as many people and ideas as possible before developing a plan of action. With this approach, he earned 10 patents and Johns Hopkins APL’s Master Inventor designation, presented on April 25 at the annual APL Achievement Awards ceremony. -
Press Release
May 9, 2023Johns Hopkins APL Team Makes Powerful Advances on a Better Thermal Battery
APL researchers are reenergizing the thermal battery market with technology that enables smaller, yet more powerful batteries to power missile systems. -
News
May 3, 2023Artificial Intelligence Used to Discover Novel Superconductor
A multidisciplinary team at Johns Hopkins APL has discovered a novel superconductor using artificial intelligence.