The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) - or "NOAA Research" - provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that support our planet. Working in partnership with other organizational units of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a bureau of the Department of Commerce, NOAA Research enables better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. Our role is to provide unbiased science to better manage the environment, nationally, and globally.

The primary components of NOAA Research are:

• The NOAA Research Laboratories
• National Sea Grant College Program
• NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
• NOAA Climate Program Office
• Office of Weather and Air Quality
• NOAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• NOAA Ocean Acidification Program