Mission
About the National Security Data and Policy Institute
Mission
Established in 2024, the University of Virginia’s National Security Data and Policy Institute works to harness government, academia, and industry to tackle the most urgent national security challenges using cutting-edge technology.
Our researchers develop AI algorithms and other advanced tools to make sense of massive data for analysts and decision makers. We distill vast troves of information to connect disparate dots and piece together possible threats that might escape more traditional, time-consuming analysis. Our work is fueled by powerful partnerships that allow us to facilitate crucial cross-sector communication. Institute projects also create research opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level, preparing future analysts for careers in national security.
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
Impact
The Institute’s research sheds new light on important national security topics, revealing hidden obstacles and opportunities that policymakers can act on. Our lasting partnerships ensure that insights translate into impact.
Open-source research that enables strategic advantage
- Our research anticipates national security issues by analyzing publicly available information to provide early warnings to decision makers.
- The Institute converts scattered academic research into actionable intelligence that gives U.S. policymakers strategic foresight before issues enter mainstream attention.
- Our microelectronics supply chain analysis correctly predicted China’s April 2025 announcement of ultra-high purity quartz deposits in Altay and Qinling months before it became public.
Policy analyses with influence on Capitol Hill
- We provide analysis to Congressional leaders, including a recent report to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence analyzing global AI research competition that is now informing legislative decisions.
- The report found that U.S. leadership in AI talent is declining as fewer top researchers train in U.S. programs and more leave for positions elsewhere, while China continues expanding its capacity to educate and retain elite AI scientists.
- By identifying these trends early with publicly available data, NSDPI gave policymakers an actionable warning to address the talent gap before it worsens further.
High-impact relationships across the Intelligence Community
- We build collaborative partnerships across the intelligence community to advance shared missions.
- Our close work with the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) has provided computer modeling and technological capabilities not readily available to the Army. According to an NGIC Commander, this partnership has allowed NGIC to conduct deeper analysis of critical problems while leveraging university expertise to solve difficult intelligence challenges facing the nation.
Get Involved
We collaborate with leaders from across academia, government, and industry to pursue solutions to national security challenges. Find out how you can start a partnership with the NSDPI.
Connect With Us
Reach out to the NSDPI to find out how your organization can become a partner.