NPRDC-Voices from the Past

The Navy Personnel Research and Development Center (NPRDC) in San Diego, California was the outgrowth of two people-related research and development (R&D) laboratories established by the Navy in the 1950s. 

The Center began operations in July 1973 as a centralized organization for managing, coordinating, and conducting R&D in the areas of Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Human Factors Engineering. 

The Human Factors Engineering component was transferred to another R&D laboratory in the late 1980s.

Since NPRDC's R&D program was concerned with people-related problems, it was only natural that many of its efforts impacted the local community and that many employees participated in community activities. 

For example, in FY77, NPRDC formed a speaker's bureau to provide liaison between community and Center personnel who were willing to address school, civic, and professional groups.

Center employees also participated in the Navy Tutorial Program which was directed at assisting students who needed help in English, mathematics, science, and basic study skills.

 Volunteers donated several hours each week of their own time to assist students with special needs—usually on a one-to-one basis.