Key Takeaways
- The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) advanced key Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Administration priorities in 2025 through research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts.
- S&T delivered tools and capabilities to enhance border security, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and strengthen critical infrastructure security.
- The directorate developed and deployed various technologies, including a next-generation analytics platform, counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies, and AI-enabled analytics to support DHS components and law enforcement agencies.
- S&T’s efforts contributed to the rescue of hundreds of human trafficking victims and the dismantling of over 35 criminal networks.
- The directorate is preparing to support DHS during high-profile international events in 2026, including the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and FIFA World Cup matches.
Introduction to S&T’s 2025 Achievements
Throughout 2025, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) played a crucial role in advancing key Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Administration priorities. The directorate’s research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts focused on delivering technical solutions to strengthen the nation’s security and resilience. To showcase its accomplishments, S&T has shared its 2025 S&T Year in Review, highlighting the breadth of its achievements. The report demonstrates the directorate’s ability to meet the challenges of securing the nation’s borders, disrupting transnational criminal organizations, and strengthening critical infrastructure security.
Advancing Border Security
The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) demonstrated its ability to meet the challenge of securing the nation’s borders through focused research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts. The directorate delivered tools and capabilities that enabled DHS components to execute their missions more effectively. For instance, S&T developed a next-generation analytics platform designed to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s situational awareness across air and maritime domains. Additionally, the directorate evaluated counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies to inform response strategies for the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Protective Service, and state and local law enforcement facing malicious drone activity. These efforts highlight S&T’s commitment to supporting the security of the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens.
Disrupting Transnational Criminal Organizations
Beyond border security, S&T advanced efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organizations and other illicit activity. The directorate’s work in this area included the development of an end-to-end fentanyl supply chain model, the deployment of AI-enabled analytics to accelerate investigative processes, and the delivery of the Trace Vapor Generator system to improve fentanyl vapor detection at crime scenes and ports of entry. S&T-developed software tools focused on combating human trafficking have contributed significantly to the rescue of hundreds of victims, most of them children, and supported the dismantling of more than 35 criminal networks. These achievements demonstrate the impact of S&T’s research and development efforts on disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
Strengthening Critical Infrastructure Security
S&T also played a significant role in strengthening the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure. In collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the directorate assessed cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the national freight rail network and proposed mitigation strategies to reduce risk. Furthermore, S&T published best practices for critical infrastructure owners and operators that rely on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing systems, aimed at protecting essential services from GPS jamming and spoofing threats. Given the widespread dependence on GPS across sectors, safeguarding this capability remains a priority. The directorate’s efforts in this area demonstrate its commitment to supporting the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Looking ahead to 2026, S&T is preparing to support DHS during several high-profile international events, including the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and FIFA World Cup matches hosted across the United States. Recognizing that such events present attractive targets for disruption, S&T is continuing focused research and development efforts to help ensure public safety and security during these nationally significant moments. The directorate’s preparations demonstrate its proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges and supporting the security of the nation. By leveraging its research and development capabilities, S&T is well-positioned to support DHS and other agencies in their efforts to protect the nation and its citizens from various threats.
