The Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
is the most important source of internally directed R&D funding at Lawrence Livermore.
LDRD funds high-risk, potentially high-payoff projects at the forefront of science and
technology. By investing today, LDRD ensures that the Laboratory will be ready to meet
future challenges to national security.
Creation of elements
113 and 115
Maintains the Laboratory’s Science and Technology Vitality.
Every year, LDRD invest up to 8% of Lawrence Livermore’s total budget in research
that is too new or high-risk to be funded by existing programs. Based on ideas that
"bubble up" from current research challenges or bold original concepts that anticipate
the nation’s future needs. LDRD projects make it possible for the Laboratory’s top
scientists and engineers to pursue leading-edge R&D that keeps Livermore at the
forefront of science and technology in its mission areas.
New methods to detect
and identify pathogens
Supports Laboratory Missions. All LDRD projects have a clear
connection to Laboratory missions:
•
National security (including stockpile stewardship, homeland security, biodefense, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism).
•
Energy security.
•
Environmental assessment and management.
•
Bioscience and technology to improve human health.
•
Breakthroughs in fundamental science and technology.
Promotes Recruiting and Retention. Because LDRD
funds exciting R&D projects, the program helps to recruit and retain top talent in new
and emerging fields of science and technology. The LDRD Program supports about 80% of
the Laboratory’s postdocs, and many stay to become full-time employees. Many LDRD
researchers are recognized as world-class scientists in their field.
Bioaerosol Mass
Spectrometer (BAMS)
Pursues Collaborations. LDRD’s multidisciplinary projects bring together
outstanding teams to tackle scientific challenges, drawing scientists and engineers from around
the Laboratory and across the country through collaborations with top research institutions.
Strengthens the U.S. Economy. New technology developed with
LDRD funding helps strengthen the nation’s economic base by generating intellectual property,
promoting transfer of technologies, and forging industrial partnerships.
NanoFoil® R&D 100
Award winner
Generates Intellectual Property. LDRD is responsible for a
disproportionately large percentage of Lab publications and patents, producing over 30% of the
Lab’s peer-reviewed publications and more than 50% of its patents. LDRD innovative science and
technology is evidenced by numerous R&D 100 Awards, front-cover features in scientific
publications such as Nature, and honors and awards given to LDRD investigators.