SwRI’s Internal Research and Development Program supports scientists and engineers exploring unproven ideas or concepts. The program’s researchers are making impactful discoveries that evolve into solutions for the Institute’s government and industry clients. Over the past decade, SwRI has invested more than $77 million into research and development to benefit humankind, including space instruments, autonomous driving technology, clean energy initiatives and more. The IR&D Program gives curious researchers the freedom and resources to experiment, test and investigate with the goals of advancing science, investing in the future and creating business development opportunities.

Listen now as SwRI Executive Vice President and COO Walt Downing, IR&D program administrator, discusses some of the program’s top achievements, how projects are selected for funding and the program’s world-changing contributions to science and discovery.