One of TDSI's missions is to conduct research in areas of high military value with staff from NUS, NPS, the Singapore defence community and postgraduate students. To achieve this, TDSI works closely with its overseas and local partners on a diverse range of topics related to the war-fighting effectiveness of nations. Research topics are grouped broadly into strategic, collaborative and exploratory research. Strategic research works at key capability development areas to meet the national defence needs. Collaborative research seeks to enhance the exchange of experience and development of knowledge between TDSI and her partners in NUS, NPS, defence-related agencies in Singapore and defence companies. Exploratory research is an area where TDSI could look far beyond the horizon on ideas that have unclear application or where the technology may not be ready for defence applications. Research activities in any of these areas can also form the basis for TDSI students' research thesis, particularly for those in the MDTS programme.