NSF Translation to Practice funding is opening new pathways for laboratories to move scientific discoveries into national defense applications. The US National Science Foundation has issued two Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs) under its new Translation to Practice program, partnering with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. These initiatives invite proposals that support defense research funding while advancing use-inspired translational research programs that bridge discovery and deployment.
Translation to Practice refers to the process of moving scientific research from foundational investigation into validated, operational technologies. Unlike traditional NSF grants that emphasize hypothesis-driven research, NSF Translation to Practice funding supports laboratories as they develop prototypes, test systems, protect intellectual property, and build partnerships that enable technologies to enter real-world use. For lab managers, this marks a shift toward federally funded programs that require research teams to demonstrate readiness for translation, not just discovery.
By aligning defense research funding with translational research programs, NSF is positioning laboratories as critical engines of US military modernization and technology transfer.
What NSF Translation to Practice funding supports
The NSF Translation to Practice program operates within the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. Its purpose is to accelerate the movement of research into practical application by funding activities that go beyond traditional experimentation.
Under NSF Translation to Practice funding, laboratories may receive support for:
- Preparing and testing prototypes
- Protecting and managing intellectual property
- Launching commercial or open-source initiatives
- Developing research standards
- Forming partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations
- Facilitating licensing and technology transfer
These activities directly affect laboratory operations, data governance, and compliance systems. Translational research programs require labs to manage secure data environments, quality systems, and collaboration frameworks that extend far beyond bench science.
Army modernization priorities under defense research funding
The collaboration between NSF and the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center directs NSF Translation to Practice funding toward six core technical areas:
- Survivability and protection
- Robotics and autonomy
- Power and mobility
- Additive manufacturing
- Fuels and lubricants
- Modeling, simulation, and software development
Each of these areas depends on laboratory-based capabilities such as materials testing, additive manufacturing platforms, robotics validation systems, and advanced modeling environments. Defense research funding through this pathway is designed to support laboratories that can integrate experimental data with engineering, simulation, and prototype development.
“We look forward to supporting the US Army and providing pathways to innovation to secure our nation’s defense,” said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships at NSF. “This opportunity underscores how essential science and technology advancements are to our nation, not only for global competitiveness but for national security as well.”
According to David Gorsich, chief scientist for DEVCOM GVSC, the program accelerates the transfer of lab discoveries to the field. “Through this collaboration with NSF, we are building a pathway to accelerate the maturation and transition of innovative fundamental research that shortens technology development timelines and delivers critical capabilities to the soldier faster,” he said.
Navy-focused translational research programs
A second DCL extends NSF Translation to Practice funding to laboratories working with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. This defense research funding stream focuses on complex naval systems that require advanced laboratory testing, modeling, and software validation.
Priority areas include:
- Intelligent automation systems that integrate autonomy, artificial intelligence, and unmanned platforms
- Software and cyber engineering
- Digital engineering and live, virtual, and constructive simulation
- Hypersonic weapons and information superiority
- Advanced sensors, electromagnetics, and combat system integration
These technologies rely on laboratories with secure computing environments, high-performance modeling tools, and the ability to validate hardware and software under controlled conditions. Translational research programs in this domain place heavy demands on laboratory infrastructure and data security practices.
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“Together, NSF and the U.S. Navy are working to advance national security research and strengthen our national defense,” Gianchandani said. “At the core of that work is accelerating the critical research and ideas that can help keep our country safe, secure, and globally competitive.”
How the three Translation to Practice tracks affect labs
NSF Translation to Practice funding is delivered through three program tracks that shape how laboratories participate in translational research programs:
- Explore: Funds high-risk, use-inspired projects that move existing NSF-funded research toward real-world applications.
- Translate: Supports maturing prior research into scalable technologies with commercial, economic, or societal impact.
- Partner: Funds large, multi-organization teams to develop and deploy technologies through industry, government, and other partners.
Each track increases expectations for project management, intellectual property control, data governance, and partner coordination. Defense research funding under these tracks requires laboratories to operate as both scientific and operational organizations.
What this means for lab managers
NSF Translation to Practice funding moves laboratories into the center of US defense innovation. Lab managers in this field must now prepare their facilities, staff, and data systems to support translational research programs that include prototype development, secure information handling, and multi-partner collaboration. Defense research funding through this model is not just about scientific excellence. It is about whether laboratories can translate discovery into deployable national capabilities.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
