University of Virginia launched a new institute in August 2024 that coalesces 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 immediate research focus will be on 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. Our researchers are working to develop tools and capabilities required to distill vast troves of information 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 focus on preparing students at the undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels for employment across the national security and intelligence community.
The National Security Data and Policy Institute is UVA's sixth university-level institute.
Lines of Effort
- Innovative Research: Contribute knowledge and solutions at the confluence of technological evolution, societal change, and national security policy;
- Collaborative Networks: Build relationships among academic, government, and industry experts to accelerate the development and adoption of emerging technology to advance national security interests;
- Policy Engagement: Help policymakers across government understand the legal, ethical, and national security implications of evolving technology and geopolitical change;