The Naval Innovative Science and Engineering (NISE) Expo, hosted by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) (ASN (RD&A)), showcased the latest in naval technology and research at the Pentagon April 21.

Scientists and engineers within the Naval Research and Development Establishment lined Pentagon halls to share their ground breaking ideas for improving Navy and Marine Corps capabilities as attendees navigated through the 48 displays.

Dr. John Burrow, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, who oversees the Naval Research and Development Establishment, said the expo represents the bringing together of forward thinkers using smart and fresh concepts to solve complex naval problems.

"It ranges in everything from things that you can see, touch today that's saving the Navy and the Marine Corps hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars," he said. "This is how we not only support the Navy of the day and the Marine Corps of the day but future naval forces to ensure they have operational advantage and, from our point of view, we give them the technological superiority they use to fight future wars."

Burrow added the event worked to help leadership understand how these investments are being applied today and will be applied tomorrow.

Several Department of Defense leaders were on hand to observe the presentations including Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus; Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall; Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Michelle Howard; and Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition Sean Stackley..

A variety of advanced studies were exhibited for future ship design, weather prediction, unmanned and autonomous vehicles and a 3D printing of well-known action figures to demonstrate the capabilities of additive manufacturing.

Burrow called the projects, which included the use of animal analysis-the whiskers of a seal, the bones of a cow and the flight of a fruit bat-to improve fleet operations "technical brilliance."

Dr. Christin Murphy, research scientist for Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport Division, is investigating seal vibrissae, or whiskers, to create advanced and inexpensive sensors that can be used to detect objects in water without the use of sound.

"I think it's important for the Navy community to see a bit of the research process and that we're doing this really innovative work on the cutting edge of new technology and bringing exciting new systems to them," said Murphy.

Gary Lunt, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division engineer, came up with the idea for an aerial-based scoring system that measures the impact of guns over land and water using a multi-rotor drone with video camera and GPS functionality.

This portable system, which uses sophisticated low-cost commercially available technology, works virtually in real time, providing more accuracy for training, Lunt said.

"What you are going to see is in 5, 10, 30 years from now that the investments here spawn or feed new ideas and concepts...and more importantly develop a science and engineering workforce that helps to guide and lead the Navy," said Burrow.

While some applications have more long term effects, others will have sooner impact on fleet operations.

One effort in particular that's big in the industry right now is additive manufacturing or 3D printing. According to Burrow, this method has been shown to match the performance of a $50,000 piece of training equipment for $500 and in less time. Put into context, that equals a $45,000 cost savings for the DON, he said.

The Naval Research and Development Establishment Program was created by ASN (RD&A) to provide naval warfare centers, systems centers and the Naval Research Laboratory directors the resources needed to foster creativity in science and technology; support high-value, high-risk research and development; and increase recruitment and retention of science and engineering personnel.

The effort is part of the National Defense Authorization Act Section 219 legislation, which allows warfare centers and research labs to take money that's invested in their organizations and apply it to research, engineering and technology, Burrow said.

"I think people sometimes don't understand the importance of expertise and I'm a big advocate for education. I'm an even bigger advocate of hands-on work that starts to drive knowledge and understanding," added Burrow.

In 2015, the Naval Research and Development Establishment Program produced more than 369 technical publications, 82 patents, enabled study of 82 advanced degrees with advanced degrees being awarded and provided technical training to more than 544 scientists and engineers. There were 130 different collaborations across the Department of Defense and 228 collaborations with other U.S. Government organizations, industry and academia.

Over the next couple of weeks, some of the Naval Research and Development Establishment's research projects will be highlighted on the Navy Live blog at http://navylive.dodlive.mil. Follow the conversation on social media using #NavyInnovates.