DRI's research ranges from microbiology and atmospheric physics to archaeology and renewable energy. We focus on understanding and answering environmental science questions about global climate change, water quality and availability, air quality, sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, and more. DRI scientists and engineers generate leading-edge technologies for applications such as measuring windblown dust emissions and ultra-fine particles, quantifying light scattering from large particles in the atmosphere, modeling wind flow over complex terrain, and improved detection of icing conditions on airplane wings.

DRI research highlights are listed below.