The national interest is at stake. Enduring national needs provide program continuity and enable long-term research efforts. The ability to solve important, difficult, real-world problems Problems stretch capabilities and call for new approaches. Solutions have a substantial impact. The research involves and integrates many disciplines.
Multidisciplinary efforts produce a whole greater than the sum of the parts.
Science and technology that create spin-off applications Advances made for specific purposes lead to breakthrough applications in other fields. The spin-offs leverage the laboratory's intellectual and institutional investments. Expanded research opportunities enable advances in science and attract diverse users. The capabilities foster multidisciplinary collaborations and effective partnerships. The culture motivates and rewards risk-taking to produce results that matter.