Throughout 2025, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) advanced key Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Administration priorities by delivering research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) that accelerated technical solutions and strengthened our nation’s security and resilience. To showcase the breadth of the Directorate’s accomplishments, S&T has shared its 2025 S&T Year in Review.
Last year ushered in a renewed emphasis on securing the nation’s borders, and the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) demonstrated its ability to meet that challenge. Through focused research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts, S&T delivered tools and capabilities that enabled DHS Components to execute their missions more effectively. These efforts included the development of a next-generation analytics platform designed to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s situational awareness across air and maritime domains, as well as evaluations of 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.
Beyond border security, S&T advanced efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organizations and other illicit activity. 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 to the rescue of hundreds of victims—most of them children—and supported the dismantling of more than 35 criminal networks.
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, S&T assessed cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the national freight rail network and proposed mitigation strategies to reduce risk. The directorate also 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.
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.
