The Pentagon is focused on developing the technology of the future and getting it into the hands of the warfighter. Barbara McQuiston, deputy chief technology officer for science and technology at the Defense Department (DoD), discussed these efforts on Government Matters.
- McQuiston said her office looks at early-stage research and works to turn scientific discoveries into emerging technologies at scale.
- The four areas of emerging opportunities McQuiston oversees are biotechnology, quantum science, advanced materials and future G.
- Manufacturing is a critical element of developing emerging tech, she explained.
- Some of the technologies she mentioned are chip-scale atomic clocks, quantum sensors, polymers, coatings, high-temperature materials and advanced communication capabilities.
Watch the interview for more:
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Naval Postgraduate School Professor of Physics Frank Narducci shows a Dual Atom Interferometer Accelerometer/Gyoscope to Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Barbara McQuiston during a tour of the Quantum Sensor Lab at NPS, Dec. 14, 2021. McQuiston and her staff visited the university to explore NPS research in key technologies and to seek opportunities for synergy and collaboration across the DoD research enterprise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Tonthat/Released)

Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu speaks to Defense Writers via zoom at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 13, 2022. Barbara McQuiston serves as her principal advisor on the entire Department of Defense Science and Technology (S&T) portfolio. (DoD photo by United States Marine Corps Sgt. Taryn Sammet)
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