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.
Research Programs
Leadership
Andrew Merkle Department Head, Research and Exploratory Development
Learn more about Andrew C. Merkle
Joan Hoffmann Mission Area Executive, Research and Exploratory Development
Learn more about Joan Hoffmann
Morgan Trexler Research Program Area Manager
Learn more about Morgan M. Trexler
Jeffrey Maranchi Exploration Program Area Manager
Learn more about Jeffrey MaranchiHighlights
Advancing Biomanufacturing for National Security
Researchers at APL are combining their technical expertise, creativity, and national security acumen to put biomanufacturing to work to make supply chains more secure, strengthen the defense industrial base, and produce materials wherever and whenever.
Learn more about Advancing Biomanufacturing for National Security
Revolutionizing Materials Discovery for National Security
APL is reimagining and accelerating the targeted discovery of materials tailored to withstand and perform in the most demanding conditions, ensuring enhanced capabilities in extreme environments.
Learn more about Revolutionizing Materials Discovery for National Security
Agile and Intelligent Robots
Developing novel controls for robotic systems operating safely in complex environments
Learn more about Agile and Intelligent Robots
Recent News
News
Apr 24, 2025
Accelerating Qubit Testing With Cosmic Rays on Demand
Scientists at Johns Hopkins APL have demonstrated a working capability that can radically accelerate the testing of critical quantum computing components, accomplishing in a matter of minutes what has previously taken days or even weeks.
News
Apr 3, 2025
Training Robots to Plan and React Like Humans
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.
Press Release
Apr 2, 2025
Johns Hopkins APL, Microsoft Collaborate to Advance Robotics and Materials Discovery Using AI
APL and Microsoft are partnering to advance robotics and materials discovery by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).
News
Mar 6, 2025
AI Reveals New Way to Strengthen Titanium Alloys and Speed Up Manufacturing
Johns Hopkins researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to uncover faster, more efficient ways to manufacture titanium alloy parts while maximizing mechanical performance.
News
Feb 13, 2025
Revolutionizing Battlefield Medicine: Augmented Reality for Lifesaving Trauma Care
Johns Hopkins APL researchers are leveraging predictive anatomy visualization, artificial intelligence and real-time ultrasound to help medics provide faster and more accurate medical care in the field.