Engineering research

Engineering research seeks improvements in theory and practice in fields such as high-speed computation, earthquake prediction, power systems and construction.

The biggest contributor to engineering research in the United States is the Department of Defense. ["More than one-third of all engineering research comes from the Defense Department, and it is one of the largest supporters of research in electronics, computers, mathematics, aeronautics, material science, mechanics and the environmental sciences, especially oceanography." [http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20070116-085700-4481r.htm] ]

Military-related research into science and technology has led to "dual-use" applications, where weaponry, communications and other defense systems are adapted to civilian life. Programmable digital computers and the Internet which connects them, the GPS satellite network, fiber-optic cable, radar and lasers are examples.

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