The Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program, established by Congress at Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories in 1991, is Livermore’s single most important resource for fostering excellent science and technology for today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. This internally directed research and development funding program enables high-risk, potentially high-payoff projects at the forefront of science and technology. By enabling Livermore to fund creative fundamental and applied research activities in areas aligned with its missions, the LDRD Program develops and extends the Laboratory’s intellectual foundations and maintains its status as a premier research institution. The present scientific and technical strengths of Livermore are, in large part, a product of LDRD investment choices in the past.
Because LDRD funds exciting research and development projects, the program helps recruit, train, and mentor top talent in new and emerging fields. The LDRD Program, for example, generally supports about 50% of the Laboratory’s postdoctoral researchers, more than any other Program, and many go on to become full-time employees. Many LDRD researchers are recognized as world-class scientists in their field.
The value of LDRD to DOE, as well as to the country, has been clearly articulated. According to a National Academy of Sciences report to DOE in 2012, “A crucial part of the Laboratories’ ability to conduct their missions is derived from LDRD, the primary source for internally directed R&D funding. Among its other benefits, LDRD provides a major resource for supporting and training staff at each Laboratory.” The DOE 2014 report to Congress notes “The LDRD Program provides the laboratories with the opportunity and flexibility to establish and maintain an environment that encourages and supports creativity and innovation, and contributes to their long-term viability. LDRD allows the Department’s laboratories to position themselves to advance our national security mission and respond to our Nation’s future research needs.”
For more information on LLNL's LDRD Program, visit the LDRD Annual Report archive.