University Park, PA - The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State is celebrating 70 years of discovery and innovation this year.

Originally established at the request of the U.S. Navy in 1945, the Ordnance Research Laboratory (later to become the Applied Research Laboratory) was initially focused on the continuation of science and technology efforts related to torpedoes that began during World War II. 

Today, ARL-Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation supporting national security, economic competitiveness and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration and transition to application.

As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State is free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry in its research, development and systems engineering in support of the United States' priorities. To learn more about ARL-Penn State, its history and current research, watch its anniversary video, "Applied Research Laboratory: Celebrating 70 years of Discovery and Innovation."