News

July 14, 2026
Air Force Research Laboratory initiatives strengthen warfighting connections

AFRL’s new “Operationalize the Lab” initiative immerses early-career science and technology (S&T) leaders in operational environments to strengthen their understanding of the warfighting mission and the impact of their work. This initiative is part of AFRL’s overarching strategy to tightly align S&T
July 10, 2026
AFWERX innovation transitions from fighter cockpits to NASA spaceflight

A quality-of-life system originally developed to support military aviators has expanded beyond the cockpit and into orbit, demonstrating how AFWERX accelerated an operational need into a solution that now supports both Airmen and NASA astronauts.
June 22, 2026
AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing supports hantavirus response in Omaha

When a charter flight carrying Americans exposed to a rare and potentially deadly hantavirus landed in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 11, 2026, Air Force medical professionals from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing were already in place supporting the response.
June 4, 2026
AFRL welcomes new commander during change of command ceremony

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, welcomed its newest commander, Brig. Gen. Douglas Wickert, during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 3, 2026.
May 1, 2026
AFRL enhances Artemis II mission success with expertise, facilities

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, contributed technological developments and unique testing facilities to support NASA’s historic Artemis II mission to return humans to the moon. From centrifuge training to advanced materials to facilitating industry partnerships, AFRL’s contributions are
April 29, 2026
AFWERX, SpaceWERX open new SBIR/STTR solicitations following reauthorization

AFWERX and SpaceWERX have opened new Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer solicitations following passage of the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes the programs through fiscal year 2031.AFWERX and SpaceWERX are divisions of
April 28, 2026
AFRL honors 2025 Fellows, Early Career Award winners

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) recognized 20 of its top scientists and engineers who each received the 2025 AFRL Fellows or Science and Engineering Early Career Awards (ECA) honors during an award ceremony held March 31, 2026, at the National Museum
April 24, 2026
AFRL redesigns for strategic advantage, positions research enterprise to accelerate delivery of war-winning systems

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced a major redesign of its organizational structure to integrate and align research and development around key mission areas to speed the delivery of war-winning systems.This transformation marks the most significant organizational change for AFRL in
April 10, 2026
REVIL ribbon cutting ceremony

From left: Dr. Andrew Williams, acting director of the Space Warfare Directorate; Mr. Michael Holthe, principal deputy assistant secretary of war for science and technology; Lt. Col. Matthew Miller, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Albuquerque District; Amy Hall, Nuclear Enterprise Science
April 9, 2026
Meink emphasizes technological excellence, acquisition transformation during Ohio immersion

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink concluded a visit to Air Force Materiel Command and Wright-Patterson AFB units April 3, reinforcing the importance of technological innovation and acquisition reform to ensuring warfighter readiness and lethality.