As it strives to fulfill its mission of “planning, fostering, and encouraging scientific research,” the directorates under the Office of Naval Research balances a science and technology portfolio, and earmarks funds towards meeting the needs of the warfighter.

There are three ONR directorates: the Office of Innovation (O3I), the Office of Research (Discovery and Invention) (O3R), and the Office of Transition (O3T).

Office of Innovation. It is the mandate of O3I to promote, foster, and develop science, technology, processes and policies in support of the Department of the Navy. Providing the brains and the manpower to turn this mandate into a reality are innovators that comprise a network of technology principals, under the Director of Innovation, who work together towards ensuring that the capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps are elevated to greater heights.

Office of Research (Discovery and Invention). O3R focuses on basic and applied research that will “increase fundamental knowledge, foster opportunities for breakthroughs and provide technology options for future naval capabilities and systems.” The public sector, commercial contractors, non-profit organizations, and the academe may receive research funding from O3I for various research areas. Among its key research initiatives are core basic and applied research programs which are executed by ONR program officers and performed in naval laboratories.

Office of Transition. The ultimate goal of research and innovation is to eventually bring new technologies out of the controlled world of research and development, and into the real world where it will actually be used. The O3T focuses on such transition programs and methodologies as covering manufacturing methods used in building naval warfare systems, and the simulation of advantageous government-industry partnerships.