University News

UVA To Launch Institute Focused on National Security

Backed by a $20 million contract, the University of Virginia will launch a new institute this fall that will coalesce the University’s expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, research computing and public policy to address the country’s most pressing national security issues.

The National Security Data and Policy Institute will be UVA’s sixth university-level institute.

“This institute will leverage UVA’s cutting-edge research capabilities to address national security challenges,” said Philip Potter, a professor of politics and public policy and the founding director of the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy’s National Security Policy Center, who will lead the new institute. “We face a challenging national security and intelligence environment characterized by constantly evolving technology, troves of untapped data and increasingly capable and aggressive adversaries. The institute will combine UVA’s scientific expertise and experience working with the national security and intelligence communities to contribute to solutions to these problems.”

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was the catalyst for the institute, with the goal of using next-generation technology to identify potential security threats and protect Americans, Potter said. UVA won the contract through a competitive process.

Virginia U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, who chairs the Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed support for the effort.

Potter said the institute will combine the strengths of the academia, government and the private sector. “This will bring a group of very talented and motivated people together under one roof.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

“National security today looks a lot different than it did 20 years ago, with expanding data requirements and technological innovation and competition becoming ever more important,” Warner said. “If we want to outcompete adversaries like China, we need to continue investing in emerging and innovative fields that enhance our nation’s already-powerful capabilities and allow us identify and predict potential threats. This investment from our intelligence community is a testament to the University of Virginia’s world-class research capabilities, academic talent and dedication to taking on grand challenges. I look forward to seeing the groundbreaking work that will emerge from this initiative.”

UVA was a natural fit, he added.

“We have a long tradition of national service in defense and intelligence. Our students’ commitment to public service has made UVA a leading university when it comes to sending graduates into important government roles. And our location, near but outside the Beltway, puts us in the perfect spot to do work that is independent, thoughtful and influential in Washington.”

President Jim Ryan said the creation of this institute shows the University is at the forefront of employing research and technology for the public good.

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“I’m grateful to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for their investment in UVA and their confidence in our research and leadership capabilities,” Ryan said. “It’s an honor to pursue our public service mission by capitalizing on academic strengths from across the University in addressing security and policy challenges that face our nation. Phil Potter’s expertise will be invaluable as we launch this new endeavor, which builds upon the tremendous work already underway across Grounds to build a safer and more prosperous world.”

Among the institute’s immediate focuses will be creating tools to process the enormous amount of data created in the course of modern life and using AI and other technology to produce insights useful for analysts and decisionmakers, Potter said. For example, UVA will develop tools and capabilities required to turn the vast troves of information contained in public scientific papers and patents into information that would allow us to to better identify advancements, Potter added.

Some of the institute’s work will augment research efforts to connect disparate dots and piece together possible threats that might escape more traditional, time-consuming analysis. Analytical work that once took months to do – if it was possible to do at all – could be substantially aided by recent advancements in data science and artificial intelligence. The goal will be to create systems that help the human analyst or decisionmaker perform their tasks.

The institute will also bolster Albemarle County’s growing position as a security and defense hub.

Last fall, the county secured 462 acres of land bordering Rivanna Station where the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Ground Intelligence Center all share an address. The purchase, according to county officials, will provide a buffer to Rivanna Station, allow for the facility’s expansion and attract similar government and industry operations. UVA’s North Fork, a campus of technology firms, government agencies and academic research, is in the same area.

Potter anticipates the new UVA institute will initially hire six people, but will count on dozens already employed at UVA to contribute to the work in various capacities. The institute will be housed on 10th Street Northwest in Charlottesville.