Site-Directed Research and Development
Overview
Started in 2002 by Congressional authorization, the Site-Directed Research and Development (SDRD) Program is an essential element of the NNSS technical enterprise. The SDRD program is our premier science and technology venue and primary source for discovery and innovation for NNSS national security missions. Similar to the laboratory-directed research and development (LDRD) programs at the NNSA National Laboratories and production plants, SDRD enhances the technical vitality of the NNSS by addressing the following core areas:
- developing and demonstrating innovative ideas and technologies to advance new solutions to national and global security needs;
- enhancing core competencies required for current and emerging technical missions; and
- retaining and recruiting individuals with critical skills.
Proposals are solicited every year and about two dozen projects tied to principal thrust areas are funded annually. An annual report is released every April for the previous year’s projects.
Latest Annual Report Overviews
SDRD Highlights
SDRD achieves astronomical 56% Invited Full Proposals from DOE Interlaboratory Call for Proposals
The NNSS Anomaly presented at the recent National Laboratory-Directed Research and Development Meeting generated remarkable interest.
November SDRD Highlight: Devon Smith’s Modern Solution to Geological Data Storage
Principal investigator Devon Smith has met the monumental challenge of consolidating and curating known geologic data sets over the life of the NNSS.
Cryogenic Deuterium Pellet Injection for Enhanced Neutron Output of a Dense Plasma Focus
In his fiscal year (FY) 2024 Site-Directed Research and Development (SDRD) project “Cryogenic Deuterium Pellet Injection for Enhanced Neutron Output of a Dense Plasma Focus”, principal investigator Daniel Lowe is developing methods to increase the neutron yield of a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) using cryogenic deuterium techniques.
NNSS Technology Wins an R&D 100 Award
Every year, R&D World holds a competition to determine the year’s top 100 innovative technologies. If you take a look at the 2024 winners (released on the R&D World website on August 8), you’ll find the NNSS on the list!
Interested in Joining Our Team?
NNSS hires a wide variety of science, technical, and engineering professionals in support of our vital mission.
