I. Directorate of Information Technology, Computing & Data Science
This directorate focuses on the digital and computational foundations of modern technology, from algorithms to artificial intelligence.
A. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Machine Learning & AI in Physics (Methods & Applications)
B. High-Performance Computing & Advanced Architectures
HPC in Physics
Computational Science, Modeling & Simulation
Computational Physics & Simulation Techniques
C. Data Science, Analytics & Visualization
Data Analysis & Visualization in Physics
Numerical Methods & Algorithms
D. Quantum Information Science & Computing
Quantum Algorithms
Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Error Correction
E. Cybersecurity & Advanced Communications
Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
Networking & Advanced Communications (incl. Wireless, 5G/6G)
Fiber Optics & Optical Communications
F. Foundational Software & Methods
Software Development, Engineering & Systems
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) & User Experience (UX)
Mathematical Physics & Methods (Classical & Quantum Field Theory, Differential Geometry, Group Theory, Non-linear Dynamics, Statistical Mechanics)
Information Theory & Signal Processing
II. Directorate of Electronics, Photonics & Quantum Technology
This directorate develops the hardware that powers the next generation of sensing, computing, and communication.
A. Microelectronics & Semiconductors
Semiconductor Devices & Technology
Electronic Structure & Properties (Semiconductors)
Spintronics & Magnetoelectronics
B. Photonics, Optics & Electro-Optics (EO/IR)
Classical Electrodynamics
Geometrical & Physical Optics
Fourier Optics & Holography
Laser Science & Technology
Nonlinear Optics
Integrated Photonics
Ultrafast Optics
Atmospheric & Ocean Optics
Optical Science Research
C. Quantum Devices, Sensors & Hardware
Quantum Optics (States of Light, Cavity QED, Atom-Light Interactions)
Quantum Sensing & Metrology
Qubits & Quantum Gates
Superconducting Devices
Cold Atoms & Molecules; Bose-Einstein Condensates
Precision Measurements with Atoms & Molecules
D. Advanced Electronics & RF Systems
Electronic Warfare (EW) Components & Systems
Radar & RF Systems
Antennas & Electromagnetics
Displays & Imaging Devices
Precision Navigation & Timekeeping Technologies
Cryogenically Enabled Electronics
E. Foundational Atomic & Molecular Physics
Atomic Structure & Spectra
Molecular Structure & Spectra
Atomic & Molecular Collisions & Interactions
Interaction of Atoms & Molecules with Light
III. Directorate of Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
This directorate discovers, designs, and creates the physical substances and production methods of the future.
A. Materials Science & Engineering
Materials Synthesis, Discovery & Processing
Thin Film Deposition & Growth
Materials Characterization & Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)
Crystallography
Surface Science & Engineering
Computational Materials Science & Materials Informatics (CAMD)
B. Advanced Manufacturing & Nanotechnology
Advanced Manufacturing (incl. Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing)
Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology & Nanoscience Applications
Magnetic Nanostructures
C. Structural & Functional Materials
Structural Materials (Metals, Ceramics, Composites, PMCs)
Functional Materials (Electronic, Optical, Magnetic, Thermal, Responsive)
Electronic Structure & Properties (Metals, Insulators, Dielectrics)
Magnetism & Magnetic Materials (Ferro/Antiferro/Ferrimagnetism)
Superconductivity (Conventional & Unconventional)
Thermoelectrics
Photonic Crystals & Metamaterials
Dielectric Materials and Films
D. Specialized & Soft Matter Materials
Materials for Extreme Environments (High Temp, Radiation, Corrosion)
Soft Matter Physics & Complex Fluids (Polymers, Colloids, Emulsions, Foams, Gels, Liquid Crystals, Rheology)
Biomaterials & Bio-inspired Materials
Biological Soft Matter
Energetic Materials
Coatings, Films & Surface Engineering
Textiles & Fibers
E. Foundational Condensed Matter Physics
Structure of Solids & Liquids (Amorphous, Quasicrystals)
Topological Materials
Strongly Correlated Electron Systems
Quantum Magnetism
High-Temperature Superconductivity
Surfaces, Interfaces & Thin Films
Lattice Dynamics & Phonons
IV. Directorate of Biosciences, Health & Biotechnology
This directorate applies engineering and physical sciences to biology to advance human health and food security.
A. Medical Technology & Therapeutics
Therapeutics & Drug Discovery/Development
Medical Devices, Diagnostics & Imaging
Medical Imaging Physics & Nuclear Medicine Physics
Digital Health, Telemedicine & Health IT
B. Biological Engineering & Security
Biotechnology & Biological Engineering (incl. Synthetic Biology)
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Biosecurity, Threat Detection & Medical Countermeasures
C. Human & Biological Sciences
Neuroscience & Cognitive Science Technologies (Neurophysics)
Human Performance Enhancement & Monitoring
Biophysics & Biological Physics (Molecular, Cellular, Biomechanics)
Biological Networks & Systems Biology
Medical Physics Applications (Radiation Therapy, Health Physics)
D. Applied Biosciences
Agricultural & Food Technologies
Forensic Science Technologies
V. Directorate of Energy & Environmental Technologies
This directorate develops the hardware to decarbonize our world, restore ecosystems, and ensure sustainable resource use.
A. Sustainable Energy Systems
Renewable Energy Generation (Photovoltaics & Solar Energy)
Energy Storage (Batteries, Fuel Cells)
Grid Modernization, Resilience & Security
Energy Efficiency & Management (Buildings, Industrial)
B. Advanced Power & Carbon Management
Nuclear Energy Technologies (Fission applications)
Fusion Energy (MCF & ICF applications)
Fossil Energy & Carbon Management (incl. CCUS)
Hydrogen Technologies
Power Generation, Conversion & Distribution Technologies
C. Environmental & Geoscience Technologies
Environmental Monitoring, Sensing & Remediation
Environmental Physics Applications
Water Resource Management & Purification
Waste Management & Recycling Technologies
Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Technologies
D. Earth & Ocean Sciences Technology
Ocean & Atmospheric Science & Technology
Atmospheric & Oceanic Physics
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Arctic & Antarctic Technologies
Geophysics Applications (Seismology, Geomagnetism, Physics of Earth’s Interior)
Space Physics & Aeronomy
VI. Directorate of Aerospace, Maritime & Ground Systems
This directorate focuses on the platforms and systems that move, sense, and operate in every physical domain.
A. Aerospace & Space Systems
Aircraft Systems & Propulsion (incl. Hypersonics)
Spacecraft Systems, Payloads & Launch Technologies
Space & Astrophysical Plasmas (as an operating environment)
B. Autonomous & Robotic Systems
Autonomous Systems & Robotics (Air, Ground, Sea, Space – incl. Swarms)
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
C. Ground & Maritime Systems
Vehicle Technologies (Advanced Platforms, Electric, Connected)
Maritime Systems & Technologies (Surface & Subsurface Vehicles, Ocean Engineering)
D. Propulsion & Fluid Dynamics
Propulsion Systems (Air, Space, Marine, Ground)
Fluid Dynamics Applications (Compressible & Incompressible Flows, Turbulence, Aerodynamics, Hydrodynamics, Microfluidics, Nanofluidics)
E. Acoustics & Mechanics
Acoustics Applications (Underwater Acoustics, Aeroacoustics, Architectural & Structural Acoustics)
Classical Mechanics Applications (Classical Mechanics of Discrete Systems, Waves in Media)
F. Support & Resilience Systems
Logistics & Sustainment Technologies
Infrastructure Monitoring & Resilience Technologies
VII. Directorate of Advanced Sensors & Instrumentation
This directorate creates the tools to measure the world with ever-increasing precision and capability.
A. Sensor Development
Chemical & Biological Sensors
Physical Sensors (Acoustic, Pressure, Thermal, etc.)
Ultrasonics & Phononics
B. Threat & Nuclear Detection
Radiological, Nuclear & Explosives Detection
Nuclear Instrumentation & Applications
Particle Detectors & Instrumentation
C. Remote & Precision Measurement
Remote Sensing Technologies (incl. LIDAR, SAR)
Metrology & Precision Measurement
Metrology, Measurement Science & Standards
Quantum Sensing & Metrology (cross-listed with Quantum Directorate)
D. Specialized Instrumentation & Systems
Advanced Instrumentation & Scientific Equipment Design
Astronomical Instrumentation & Techniques
Vacuum Science & Technology
Plasma Diagnostics & Technology
Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) & Prognostics
Acoustic Systems & Signal Processing (incl. Sonar)
Space Sensing & Effects Characterization
VIII. Directorate of Security, Defense & Resilience
This directorate develops technologies specifically aimed at protecting societies, infrastructure, and global stability.
A. Threat & Surveillance Systems
Threat Detection & Surveillance Technologies (Physical & Cyber)
Command, Control & Communications (C3) Systems
B. Weapons & Protective Systems
Weapons Systems Technologies (incl. Directed Energy, Lethality)
Protective Systems & Armor
Explosive Hazards Defeat Technologies
Signature Management (Stealth)
C. Public Safety & Infrastructure Protection
Public Safety & First Responder Technologies
Disaster Prediction, Response & Recovery Technologies
Critical Infrastructure Protection Technologies
D. Space & Nuclear Defense Applications
Space Domain Awareness & Security
Nuclear & Particle Physics Applications (Defense Context)
IX. Office of Technology Transition & Interdisciplinary Application
This office ensures that foundational research is effectively translated into viable ventures and that interdisciplinary collaboration is fostered.
A. Foundational Concepts & Research Liaison
Fundamental Physics Concepts (Relativity, Quantum Foundations, QFT, Standard Model, etc.)
Foundational Nuclear, Particle, Plasma, & Astrophysics Research
Liaison with the PFI Core Foundation’s research divisions.
B. Commercialization & Venture Support
Technology Transfer & Commercialization Support
Systems Engineering & Integration for new ventures
Applied Mathematics & Statistics for Technology
C. Ecosystem & Workforce Development
STEM Education & Workforce Development Technologies
Physics Education Research Applications
History & Philosophy of Science for Ethical Frameworks
D. Interdisciplinary Applications
Chemical Physics (Reaction Dynamics, Surface Chemistry, Spectroscopy)
Econophysics & Sociophysics
Complex Systems & Networks
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