Research Foundations
Sandia has chosen to invest our research efforts in specific technical areas that are strongly tied to our national security mission.
![Sandia chemist heads a team of researchers focused on removal of radioactive iodine from spent nuclear fuel.](_assets/images/featurettes/research_foundation.jpg)
Laboratory Directed R&D
This R&D funding source encourages revolutionary explorations of science and technology to solve our nation's greatest challenges. Learn more.
![Sandia materials scientist sits in front of the in situ ion irradiation TEM.](_assets/images/featurettes/ldrd_research.jpg)
Technology Deployment Centers
![Photo of the Distributed Information Systems Laboratory at Sandia/California](facilities/_assets/images/featurettes/disl_featurettes.jpg)
Innovation at the interface of science and engineering
Sandia National Laboratories is a world-class research & development community that delivers on national security missions while advancing the frontiers of science and engineering. A key component of Sandia's success is our foundational scientific research, which provides us with knowledge and capabilities that are essential for solving the most pressing and difficult issues facing the world today.
The guiding principle that underlies all of our research endeavors is to ensure that Sandia's fundamental science and engineering core is vibrant, continually pushing the forefront of knowledge. By applying our scientific knowledge base, we are able to respond effectively to current mission needs as well as anticipate national challenges that may arise in the future.
![Sandia researcher Geoff Klise worked with Solar Power ElectricTM to develop a tool that can be used to appraise photovoltaic installations on homes and businesses.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120913081218im_/http://www.sandia.gov/working_with_sandia/_assets/images/featurettes/solar_featurette.jpg)
Partnering with Sandia
Sandia collaborates with external partners to bring emerging technologies to the marketplace. Our partners include industry, small businesses, universities, and government agencies. Learn more about leveraging Sandia’s resources through technology partnerships.![Photo of Sandia CSGF intern](_assets/images/featurettes/CSGF_intern.jpg)