The Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) was formed in 2004 by Dr. Yogi Gupta as the applied research component of Washington State University's Institute for Shock Physics. ASL is closely coupled to fundamental research at Washington State University and builds on more than half a century of scientific excellence.

The Institute for Shock Physics (ISP), apart from ASL, is a DOE supported, multidisciplinary research organization that emphasizes a broad range of fundamental research activities related to shock wave science and understanding condensed matter response under dynamic and static high pressures.

While multidisciplinary research excellence and innovations are emphasized for both applied research (ASL) and fundamental research (ISP), the two sets of activities are quite different and very complementary. ASL emphasizes applied research and technology, and has a broader charter. 21st century technical advances, related to physical sciences and engineering, will rely heavily on innovations in Materials Science (including Advanced Materials), Optical Sciences, and Computer Modeling and Simulations. Thus, these three areas form the core of ASL capabilities.

With an emphasis on problem solving and commercial applications, ASL provides the intellectual and scientific foundation for fostering economic growth through strategic investments in the physical sciences, engineering, and advanced technologies.