Our Focus Areas

The research vessel Laurence M. Gould attempts to sail through ice-choked waters near Palmer Station off the Antarctic Peninsula.

Arctic and Antarctic

Exploring the planet's vulnerable polar regions.

Swirling clouds and stars in a nebula

Astronomy and Space

Opening windows to the universe.

A hummingbird in flight feeding on a vibrant red flower's nectar

Biology

Understanding life in all its forms and sustaining the Earth's ecosystems as they face unprecedented global challenges.

A researcher at the Electronic Visualization Laboratory discusses a visualization of a balls-and-sticks model of a molecular chemistry dataset on the CAVE2 System with students.

Chemistry

Understanding the basic properties of matter and forging the chemicals of the future.

RQS Co-PI Alicia Kollár examines equipment

Computing

Advancing computer and information science and engineering for societal impact.

Construction workers at a manufacturing facility

Creating a STEM Workforce

Inspiring talent and creating opportunities in science and engineering across the nation.

Icebergs abound in the cold waters of Svalbard, along the north/northeastern coast of this archipelago, 650 miles from the North Pole.

Earth and Environment

Exploring the wonders of our planet to preserve its future.

Students performing experiments

Education and Training

Unleashing the nation's science and engineering talent.

Prosthetic arm

Engineering

Pursuing use-inspired research and innovation to create a future where people can thrive.

Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak

Facilities and Infrastructure

Empowering scientists, engineers and educators to explore, experiment and discover new frontiers.

Microscopic image of human-made finely layered spherical objects.

Materials Research

Discovering new materials and processing methods that can unlock innovations across a wide range of sectors.

A collage of images showing magnified views of organisms including the brain of a fruit fly larva, the cells and structure of a fruit fly eye, and equations describing some of the biological processes involved.

Mathematics

Developing and exploring the language of the universe.

xray of brain

People and Society

Illuminating what makes us human.

LHC tunnel

Physics

Understanding the fundamental workings of the universe — from tiny quantum particles to the largest galaxies.

Technicians in clean room learn how to operate the equipment used to make semiconductors

Research Partnerships

Addressing challenges that require collaboration and fresh perspectives.

a person controls a robot to feed himself

Technology

Paving the way for the technologies that will shape the future.

Our key technology areas:

 

Vials of nanoparticle solution shown against a projected tissue sample scan

Interdisciplinary, Convergence and Transformative Research

Research approaches that address societal problems and create new frontiers in science and engineering.

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