About ARL:UT

Our History and Mission

Two men with transmitters on top of a truck with a camper in the bed using radio transmitters in the late 1940s-1950s Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT) advances the mission of our parent university of education, research, and public service. Through fundamental research, innovative science, and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security. We are proud that many of our contributions have a direct and positive impact for those who protect us through their military service.

An integral part of a top-tier research university, ARL:UT builds upon a 75-year history of world-class research and expertise for the Department of Defense and other sponsors supporting their critical and ongoing quest to maintain the technological advantage that is critical to our nation. We maintain a top-quality research staff with deep technical expertise that provides multi-disciplinary research and unbiased guidance to the government and tackles complex and challenging problems. Our strong commitment to student employment and programs provides support to the next generation of scientists and engineers and helps to shape the future of defense research.

We value diversity in all of our work—in our staffing, in our multi-disciplinary research, and in our approach to innovation. We are committed to having an atmosphere where everyone we employ or with whom we interact is respected.
About the photo: Testing radio transmitter for the Navy around 1950.

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ARL:UT's functions: Research, Education, Public Service and Collaboration with Industry

What We Do

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Research

To maintain the nation’s technological superiority and meet existing and emerging challenges, the DoD invests in research, engineering, and prototyping activities. ARL:UT’s contribution includes groundbreaking applications and state-of-the art equipment in high-resolution sonar and undersea surveillance, satellite navigation and atmospheric tomography, and cybersecurity and information systems analysis. ARL:UT’s robust independent research and development program also facilitates the development and prototyping of technological solutions for the military and intelligence communities.

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Education

With its complementary relationship with the rest of the university, ARL:UT is educating the next generation of scientists and engineers. ARL:UT’s Center for Quantum Research is at the forefront of quantum computing technology, and it now offers coursework through UT’s Freshman Research Initiative. Programs such as the Honors Summer Internship and the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship provide students with hands-on experience and a first look at a research career.

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Public Service

UARC laboratories serve as subject matter experts and independent, trusted advisors to their DoD customers. ARL:UT’s high level of expertise and “honest broker” status in our core areas of acoustics, electromagnetics, and information sciences has resulted in substantial cost savings to DoD programs. The UARC charter under which we operate precludes ARL:UT's teaming with industry, other than collaborations and technology transfer approved by the NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command) oversight office.

What We Value

At ARL:UT, we are committed to the highest standards of integrity in everything we do.

We recognize the dignity of each individual, provide compensation and benefits that are competitive, and promote self-development through training that broadens work-related skills.

Our employees embody unique skills, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that foster our mission of innovation and make ARL:UT a great place to work.