The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) announce the release of the FY23 USACE R&D Annual Report, a deep dive into the innovation and critical thinking throughout the organization to tackle tough engineering challenges and transform future operations.
The report highlights dozens of ongoing projects and programs being executed in USACE’s premier research laboratories and the ways in which the techniques and technologies developed in those laboratories are being deployed across the USACE enterprise.
“This report serves as only a glimpse of the amazing work being done not only in USACE’s world-class research facilities, but also in every district and division,” said Dr. David Pittman, USACE Director of Research and Development and Chief Scientist. “At every level, in every branch, team and office, USACE is constantly innovating to better deliver our mission at a time when that mission has reached historic levels.”
During FY23, the research portfolio exceeded $2.4 billion, a record that reflects the historic levels of USACE’s mission. The report also examines USACE’s diverse and talented research and development workforce and the cutting-edge technologies and facilities that aid those research programs.
“The findings in this annual report are building blocks for a more resilient future – each innovation carries the potential to transform challenges into opportunities,” said Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and USACE Commanding General. “USACE remains committed to pushing the boundaries of research and development to reinforce our nation’s infrastructure, safeguard communities, preserve our natural resources and engineer solutions for our nation’s toughest challenges.”
In announcing the report’s release, Pittman noted its inclusion of features about how USACE divisions are both incorporating and planning for additional innovation in their programs and projects.
From discovering new techniques that incorporate robotics to leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to improving critical dredge operations to vital research supporting our military, USACE R&D has found ways to deliver programs better, faster and safer than ever before.
“As we support USACE projects and programs, we do so proudly, knowing that no one can do what we can do – no one can match the capabilities, core competencies or experience to do what we do every day. Most importantly, no one can match our diverse and talented workforce,” said Pittman, who also serves as ERDC’s director. “FY23 was a fantastic year of developing and deploying innovations across USACE. We are proud of what we have accomplished, but we are not satisfied. We are emboldened to do more.”
To view and download a copy of the report, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/69752.