Penn State is launching a new National Security Institute aimed at strengthening its contributions to defense and national security reach, the university announced in a press release. The institute will use the work of the Applied Research Laboratory, focusing on national and global security challenges.

The university said the creation of the institute emphasizes its partnership with federal agencies and its commitment to addressing current and future security challenges through cutting-edge research.

The National Security Institute will enhance Penn State’s defense research portfolio by serving as a bridge between government agencies, industry partners, and the Penn State community and focusing on interdisciplinary research not currently covered by the Applied Research Laboratory.

“For more than a year, we’ve engaged with a small group of academic leaders in defense-related research to explore how best to unify and amplify our national security contributions,” Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State, said in a release. “The National Security Institute will aim to accelerate the development of technologies that help deliver cutting-edge and innovative solutions to our federal and industry partners.”

“National security is a priority and a key area for investment and growth at Penn State,” President Neeli Bendapudi said. “We have a longstanding partnership with the Department of Defense and industry, and our faculty do meaningful work in this space. This new institute will help our faculty and students find additional research opportunities with colleagues at Penn State and, importantly, with our federal and industry partners. It is a step forward in solidifying Penn State’s leadership at home and abroad.” 

The National Security Institute will become the sixth major research institution overseen by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research.

To support secure research in sensitive national security areas, the university is also developing LionSHIELD, a protected and isolated network infrastructure within Penn State’s system.

Andrea Tapia, the dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, will chair the search committee for the director position. The inaugural director will be a Penn State faculty member with tenure.

“The National Security Institute will bring all these efforts together to expand interdisciplinary research opportunities and amplify the impact of the work happening at the university,” Tapia said. “History has shown that research, including in the defense space, can lead to innovations that benefit society, such as the internet, microwave ovens, and duct tape. That is the power of research: It can lead to discoveries that benefit us all.”