Staff Research Program

The Army Research Office (ARO) is inviting proposals for the Staff Research Program. This initiative is designed to help ARO's scientific staff develop and maintain professional skills aligned with ARO's mission. Staff members will conduct basic research in collaboration with external organizations, with a focus on engineering, physical, life, and information sciences.

The program aims to boost and reinforce the expertise of ARO scientific staff by involving them in scientific studies that aim to advance knowledge in fundamental research areas. This collaboration will happen when the external institution's interests and capabilities align with these research areas.

The ARO's primary role is to impartially fund and evaluate research at institutions in the U.S. and around the world. To maintain this impartiality, ARO scientists must avoid activities that could be interpreted as compromising their objectivity. As a result, ARO Program Managers cannot participate in official actions involving any institution where they also conduct Staff Research.

The staff research under this program will be steered and overseen by an ARO scientist, in collaboration with a Principal Investigator (PI) appointed by the participating institution. The research will take place at the participating institution's lab facilities or research sites. It's important to note that the ARO scientist will not be recognized as a PI on any proposal or award resulting from this program.

The results of the Staff Research Program could lead to published research and presentations at scientific forums, aiding the education and training of students under the terms of the cooperative agreement. ARO scientific members will actively seek collaborations with institutions, based on arising opportunities and at their discretion.