2017-2018 Assessment of the Army Research Laboratory

This interim report offers a biennial evaluation of the Army Research Laboratory's research programs, covering various scientific fields and summarizing findings from the first year of assessment for 2017-2018.

The 2017-2018 Assessment of the Army Research Laboratory is a comprehensive report prepared by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Army Research Laboratory Technical Assessment Board (ARLTAB). This biennial assessment evaluates the scientific and technical quality of research, development, and analysis programs at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL). The focus areas include ballistics sciences, human sciences, information sciences, materials sciences, and mechanical sciences. This interim report presents the findings from the first year of the assessment cycle, covering about half of the research portfolio for each campaign, with the remaining evaluations scheduled for 2018.

The report is structured to provide a clear overview of various scientific disciplines relevant to the Army's mission. It begins with an introduction that sets the context for the assessment, followed by detailed sections on materials research, lethality and protection sciences, information sciences, computational sciences, and human sciences. Each section aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the respective fields, offering insights into the effectiveness of current research initiatives.

In addition to the technical evaluations, the report includes crosscutting conclusions and recommendations, emphasizing exceptional accomplishments within the ARL. Appendices provide further context, detailing the organization of the Army Research Laboratory, biographical information on the assessment board members, assessment criteria, and a glossary of acronyms. Overall, this assessment serves as a vital resource for understanding the ARL's contributions to military science and technology.