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.