Assessment of the In-House Laboratory Independent Research at the Army's Research, Development, and Engineering Centers (2020) / Chapter Skim
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.1 The RPAC's review was guided by the following task statement provided by the National Academies: Under the oversight of the National Academies' Research Program Review and Analysis Committee (RPAC) eight panels will each review one of eight areas of ILIR research conducted during 2018 at the RDECs (chemistry, computational sciences, electronics, life sciences, materials science, mechanical sci ences, network sciences, and physics)
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Each R&D laboratory or center will have wide latitude in the use of ILIR funds, subject to the approval of overall funding levels, to enable performance of innovative, timely, and promising work without requiring formal and prior approval that might delay normal funding authorization. ILIR funds will be used to support basic research efforts.
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The ILIR program is an important source of support to foster innovation and to synergize basic and applied research efforts in response to enduring and emerging mission needs and to ensure that the Army remains in a state of technical readiness to respond to emerging technological surprises. ILIR resources can help enable the integration and coordination of the Army's various computational science efforts toward the development of integrated and comprehensive predictive simulation capabilities.
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The project dealt with challenging contemporary research issues that will require a large number of subjects to obtain predictive data and would benefit from input from outside investigators. The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center has several life sciences–oriented ILIR projects, including the following.
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The residual compressive stress in gears and coupons is created by a shot-peening process and is aimed to improve material ability to resist cracks and fatigue; the relaxation of that stress due to fatigue is an important issue under study. Network Sciences Research The principal investigators working on projects that apply machine learning techniques to practical problems need to interact extensively with one another to share ideas, best practices, and research results.
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The researchers need to enhance their interactions with one another to take advantage of potential synergies among their ILIR projects. Physics Research Overall, the physics activities included a broad spectrum from basic physics, including interaction of electromagnetic radiation with microscopic and macroscopic materials, improved performance detectors, simulation of performance of optoelectronic devices, novel high-power lasers, unbiased testing of electro-optic infrared systems, atmospheric propagation of laser radiation, and continuum electro dynamics and mechanical resonances in braided textile parachute cords.
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It appeared that many of the best ILIR projects created synergies with and benefitted from external scientific input, while some of the projects that were less successful appeared to lack such helpful inputs and consequently made less progress. Recommendation 2: The RDECs should facilitate evaluation and dissemination of ILIR through enhanced engagement with the broader scientific community, including increased presentation at relevant conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
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Given that ILIR projects are restricted to basic research, these metrics should include the boldness and quality of scientific research as well as the possible transition to practical applications. The ILIR program is a beneficial activity that can contribute to workforce development by allowing Army research personnel to think creatively and to aim for transformative enhancements in the Army's capabilities.
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It is also worthwhile to explicitly endorse mentorship activities as a positive contribution to the senior researchers' annual performance evaluation. Recommendation 7: The RDECs should establish a process for and devote resources to providing effective project oversight and mentorship for junior ILIR researchers.
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