Science and Technology Director of Research

Mission

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Director of Research encourages and sustains an integrated basic research enterprise to produce the fundamental scientific understanding and technology needed to meet current and future requirements of the Department mission.

Objectives

1. Oversee, facilitate, and coordinate efforts associated with the multiple research portfolios within the Department Science and Technology Directorate, including:
   
   
   1. Borders and Maritime Division
   2. Chemical and Biological Division
   3. Command, Control, and Interoperability Division
   4. Explosives Division
   5. Human Factors Division
   6. Infrastructure and Geophysical Division
   7. International Cooperative Programs Office
      
2. Exercise line management of the functional offices within Research, specifically:
   1. Office of National Labs (ONL)
   2. Office of University Programs (OUP)
   3. Program Executive Office - Counter Improvised Explosives Devices (PEO (C-IED))
3. Integrate basic research programs with other agencies and organizations executing similar and complimentary basic research portfolios. Coordination activities include memberships and active participation in:
   1. National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) committees
   2. Interagency working groups
   3. Program review evaluation boards and solicitation evaluation boards,
   4. Conferences sponsored by other agencies for portfolio reviews, strategic planning, and information sharing
   5. Collaboration with S&T's internal Interagency and First Responders Program Division (IAD) and International Cooperative Programs Office (IND)

Within its Basic Research Portfolio, S&T generally funds quality research projects that meet at least one of these selection criteria:

• Addresses an important Department issue without a near-term solution.
• Pursues a creative solution that addresses a unique, long-term Department need, which is not addressed elsewhere.
• Exploits new scientific breakthroughs (for example, from universities, laboratories, or industry) that could strengthen homeland security.

Leadership

Dr. Starnes Walker is the Department of Homeland Security Director of Research.

Organization

Three offices within the Science and Technology Directorate report to the Director of Research (DOR), including the Office of National Labs, the Office of University Programs, and the PEO C-IED. The Director of Research provides oversight of the Science and Technology divisions and of the offices conducting basic research.

The Director of Research established the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Basic Research Council in FY 2008 to support, facilitate, and promote collaboration across the Directorate to ensure a comprehensive, integrated basic research portfolio while maintaining the appropriate flexibility for its members. It provides a forum to work together, share ideas, understand each others’ portfolios, integrate and coordinate efforts, and collaborate on efforts of mutual interest. The Research Council is chaired by the deputy director of Research and is represented by each of the six divisions and by offices conducting basic research. It serves as an advisory body to the Director of Research and to its members.

Contact

By mail:
Office of Research
S&T DOR Stop 0217
Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Lane
Washington, DC 20528-0202

Via e-mail:
sandt.research@dhs.gov