Technology and threats evolve rapidly in today’s ever-changing environment. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) monitors those threats and rapidly  capitalizes on technological advancements, developing solutions and bridging capability gaps at a pace that mirrors the speed of life.

Mission

S&T’s mission is to enable effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions and support departmental acquisitions. Created by Congress in 2003, S&T conducts basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation activities relevant to DHS. Read about the S&T's Strategic Plan and S&T's 2020 Year In Review accomplishments.

Organization

S&T strives to address current capability gaps while preparing for future challenges. Projects are organized into six primary focus areas that directly support DHS components, as well as federal, state, and local first responders:

• Borders and Maritime Security: Enhancing security at our nation’s borders and waterways without impeding the flow of commerce.
• Chemical and Biological Defense: Detecting, protecting against, responding to and recovering from chemical and biological incidents.
• Critical Infrastructure and Resilience: Improving the nation’s preparedness for natural and man-made catastrophes.
• Cybersecurity: Contributing to a safe, secure and resilient cyber environment.
• Explosives: Protecting citizens and infrastructure from the devastating effects of explosives.
• First Responders: Expanding first responder capabilities and improving their effectiveness, efficiency and safety.