Advanced and High-Performance Materials Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), whose overriding and urgent mission is to lead the unified national effort to secure the country and prepare for and respond to all hazards and disasters, has a special interest in promoting the development of advanced and high-performance materials. Through the efforts of its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), specifically the Infrastructure Protection and Disaster Management Division (IDD), the Department is taking the lead in this important undertaking that will provide the means to preserve andimprove the existing infrastructure. This article outlines programs and projects undertaken by the S&T/IDD in partnership with the National Instiutte of Building Sciences, including thosebuilt on high performance in buildings and advacned materials.