OED rigorously and independently analyzes data to evaluate whether systems enable warfighter missions under operational conditions by partnering with the Department of Defense to develop, advance, and apply methods for test planning and analysis and to identify test resource needs.
OED’s interdisciplinary team of nearly 200 researchers includes academics, industry professionals, and former military personnel. The vast majority of our research staff hold advanced degrees, two-thirds at the doctoral level.
We come from diverse educational backgrounds, including engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, psychology, data science, statistics, economics, political science, and operations research.
Meet some of OED’s Researchers and our Leadership team.
The DoD and DHS trust OED’s researchers to provide independent factual analyses backed by technical expertise. We work collaboratively to deliver effective solutions across the entire project lifecycle.
We draw upon our scientific expertise and operational experience to objectively evaluate major defense and anti-terrorism programs in the air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
We develop test concepts, observe tests in the field, perform program reviews, employ modern data-driven analytical approaches, develop and apply modeling and simulation tools, write reports, publish research papers, and present our results and recommendations to senior government decision-makers.
OED researchers do not just work in the office. We observe operational and cybersecurity testing on board ships, submarines, and aircraft, and at military installations across the world. We also conduct anti-terrorism assessments at locations across the US, everywhere from LaGuardia to Lambeau Field.
See pictures of OED in Action.
OED’s culture fosters intellectual freedom and analytical rigor. We value the free discussion, discipline, drive, and focus found in both academia and the military.
OED strongly encourages, and funds, professional development. Our researchers frequently participate in seminars, workshops, classes, and conferences at IDA and across the country.
OED researchers actively support IDA initiatives by tutoring local students and mentoring junior scientists through our Summer Associate Program.
Teamwork is fundamental to our culture, and OED understands that non-work activities help build effective teams. Our researchers enjoy many opportunities to socialize, like lively debates around the lunch table, friendly games of softball, and home-grown skits for our holiday party.
