Improving the Air Force Scientific Discovery Mission

In 2015, the Air Force Studies Board conducted a workshop, consisting of two data-gathering sessions, to review current research practices employed by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Improving the Air Force Scientific Discovery Mission summarizes the presentations and discussions of these two sessions. This report explores the unique drivers associated with management of a 6.1 basic research portfolio in the Department of Defense and investigates current and future practices that may further the effective and efficient management of basic research on behalf of the Air ForceTable of ContentsFront MatterOverview1 Context for the Workshop2 Workshop Participant Observations and Key Themes3 Synopsis of Workshop SessionsAppendixesAppendix A: Terms of ReferenceAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee MembersAppendix C: Workshop Sessions and SpeakersAppendix D: Excerpt from the Carl Levin National DefenseAuthorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015