# Office of Naval Research Appoints Chief Scientist

Dr. Thomas C. Fu has assumed the role of Chief of Naval Research and Chief Scientist at the Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) as of September 2026. His leadership is expected to drive ONR's mission to advance cutting-edge science and technology capabilities, including directed energy and autonomous systems, to support the Navy and Marine Corps. This leadership transition underscores ONR's continued focus on rapid innovation and collaboration across academia, industry, and government to maintain technological superiority in strategic competition.

- ONR remains a key federal agency for procurement of advanced research and development in naval technologies, signaling ongoing opportunities for contractors specializing in directed energy, autonomous systems, and related defense technologies.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on rapid innovation and warfighter support, which may influence future contract priorities and funding allocations.
- Industry stakeholders can expect sustained engagement with ONR under Dr. Fu's leadership, highlighting the importance of partnerships that integrate academic, industrial, and government expertise.
- Organizations involved in naval R&D should consider aligning proposals and capabilities with ONR's strategic focus areas to enhance competitiveness in upcoming solicitations.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Naval Research (ONR)
- Department of the Navy (DON)
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division
- Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)

### Key Quotes
> Providing America’s warfighters with the most sophisticated technologies and disruptive capabilities is critical on the modern battlefield. I am honored to step into this role and lead ONR’s mission to articulate and coordinate amongst the world’s best minds across academia, industry, and government to ensure our Sailors and Marines are ready to respond to any threat, in any domain.
> — Dr. Thomas C. Fu, Chief of Naval Research

> Maintaining a technological advantage in an era of strategic competition requires disciplined, experienced, and uninterrupted leadership focused on rapid innovation and warfighter support.
> — Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy

### Sources
- [
	Dr. Thomas C. Fu Assumes Leadership of the Office of Naval Research > United States Navy > display-pressreleases
](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4604948/dr-thomas-c-fu-assumes-leadership-of-the-office-of-naval-research/) - NAVY