Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
MottoCritical Contributions to Critical Challenges
Established1942
Research typeUnclassified / classified
Budget$2.09 billion
DirectorDave Van Wie
Staff8,800
LocationLaurel, Maryland, U.S.
Operating agency
Johns Hopkins University
Websitewww.jhuapl.edu

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (abbreviated as Applied Physics Laboratory or APL) is a not-for-profit, United States Navy-sponsored, university-affiliated research center (UARC) in Howard County, Maryland, United States.

APL is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University and employs more than 8,800 people as of 2025. APL conducts research, engineering and analysis to address national security and scientific challenges faced by the United States and its allies. The Laboratory brings together technical expertise, longstanding experience and specialized facilities to support rapid prototyping and long-term research and development. APL works across a range of domains, contributing to both operational systems and foundational science and technology.

Aerial view of the Johns Hopkins APL campus in Laurel, Maryland.
Aerial view of the main Johns Hopkins APL campus in Laurel, Maryland.

The Laboratory serves as a technical resource for every branch of the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, and other government agencies, along with industry. APL's organizational structure breaks down into 4 sectors (all sponsored by US government agencies), 2 technical departments, and 5 enterprise service departments. APL has also developed numerous systems and technologies in the areas of air and missile defense, surface and undersea naval warfare, computer security, and space science and spacecraft construction. The Lab's work spans 13 mission areas, including applications from undersea systems and cyber operations to biological sciences and space exploration. Multidisciplinary teams integrate domain expertise and systems engineering to support a range of government missions.

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