Research | Homeland Security

The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) fosters the tools, technologies, and knowledge products needed to secure our nation.

View the Securing our Homeland with Science and Technology Infographic to see how S&T is helping to protect communities when disasters strike, secure cyberspace, screen for threats at ports and borders, equip first responders with next generation tools, and mobilize innovation to secure the nation.

Technology Solutions for Front-Line Operators

S&T's research and development are driven by the Department of Homeland Security's core mission areas. Our program managers, scientists, engineers, technology specialists, and subject matter experts work directly with DHS component agencies and first responders nationwide to understand their unique needs and challenges, identify capability gaps, and deliver timely and innovative technology solutions in the following DHS mission areas:

Border Security

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Developing technology solutions to help secure the nation’s borders on land, sea, and sky, while deterring illegal trafficking of goods and people.
Chem, Bio & Explosive Defense

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Innovating prevention and protective strategies for the detection of chemical, biological and explosive threats.
Community and Infrastructure Resilience

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Providing solutions to problems related to natural disasters and manmade events.
Counter Terrorist

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Investing in technologies to counter terrorist attacks and to provide threat assessments of high-consequence attack methods.
Cybersecurity / Information Analysis

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Supporting the transition of advanced cybersecurity and information assurance technologies to secure the nation’s current and future cyber and critical infrastructures.
First Responder Capability

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Providing technical assistance and innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by first responders.
Food and Agriculture Defense

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Pursuing capabilities to defend our food and agriculture systems.
Physical Security & Critical Infrastructure Resilience

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Working to ensure the physical security of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Foundational Science to Get Ahead of Emerging Threats

S&T conducts basic and applied research to ensure advancements in science and technology can be harnessed for cutting-edge solutions to DHS operational challenges. Our research looks to build knowledge and understanding of evolving threats, hazards and risks. Our research priorities are driven by strategic and long-term needs of the Department and Homeland Security Enterprise in topics including:

Advanced Sensing

Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems

Biotechnology

Communications and Cyber Resiliency

Data, Modeling, and Simulation Sciences

Digital Identity and Trust

Earth Systems Sciences

Emerging Computing Paradigms

Novel Materials and Secure Manufacturing

Social Sciences

Technology to Reduce the Impacts of Wildfires