UMD Awarded New Contract Worth Up to $500 Million to Support Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security
Unique Research Lab Addresses National Security Challenges with a Human-Centered Lens
Media Relations mediainfo@umd.edu
College Park, Md. – The University of Maryland received a new contract with a $500-million ceiling from the Department of Defense to support the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and its mission of tackling complex national security problems using a multidisciplinary approach.
Located in UMD’s Discovery District, ARLIS is one of 15 designated Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) around the nation and the only UARC dedicated to intelligence and security. Established in 2018, ARLIS serves as a trusted adviser to the government, providing essential applied research and development for intelligence and security. The initial one-year contract has four option years.
"The work happening within ARLIS is exciting and focused on leveraging technology and science to meet intelligence and security challenges with a human-centered focus,” said Milancy D. Harris, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. “ARLIS is uniquely qualified to evolve our capabilities in this area and to strengthen our national security in innovative ways.”
ARLIS applied research bridges social and technical sciences to address pressing national security needs in the areas of cognitive security, supply chains, technology engagement and insider risk. ARLIS is also capable of addressing other emerging areas of interest to support Defense Department requirements.
“ARLIS is a jewel in the University of Maryland’s research enterprise. We are so grateful to continue this collaboration with the Department of Defense, which has already yielded so many opportunities for faculty and students,” said Darryll J. Pines, President of the University of Maryland. “We’re excited to build upon ARLIS’ demonstrated success of combining technical expertise with human understanding to bolster our nation’s security.”
ABOUT THE APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), based at the University of Maryland, was established in 2018 under the sponsorship of the U.S. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, intended as a long-term strategic asset for research and development in artificial intelligence, information engineering, and human systems. ARLIS combines expertise, research, and development in human behavior, social science, culture, and language with emerging and advanced technologies. This enables development of problem-focused, evidence-based solutions for security and intelligence challenges that can be operationalized quickly and at scale. Learn more at arlis.umd.edu.
About the University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) is the state's flagship university and a leading public research institution, propelled by a $1.3 billion joint research enterprise. Located four miles from Washington, D.C., the university is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time and is the nation's first Do Good campus. It is driven by a diverse and proudly inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. UMD is a top producer of Fulbright scholars and offers an unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD faculty are global leaders in their field and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, visit umd.edu.
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