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Old Dominion University (ODU) launches a new National Security Institute (ODU-NSI) designed to accelerate research and technology solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing the United States today, including critical infrastructure security, applied artificial intelligence (AI), decision advantage, resilient communications and autonomous operations in complex and dynamic environments.
“Old Dominion University’s National Security Institute will further support our research experts, as well as our robust, established partnerships, to advance critical research for the betterment of our country’s national security and harness creative solutions right here in Coastal Virginia,” said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
This new institute brings together Old Dominion University’s strengths in AI, modeling and simulation, autonomous systems, communications and sensing, maritime and port operations, and advanced technologies into a coordinated, mission-focused effort.
The University’s location in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia — home to one of the largest concentrations of military, maritime and logistics operations in the world — provides a unique advantage. Researchers are working in close proximity to systems that are deployed in operational environments, from ports and shipyards to coastal infrastructure and complex supply chains. That proximity shapes ODU-NSI’s research.
“At Old Dominion University, we already have the expertise and the partnerships,” said Kenneth J. Fridley, Ph.D., vice president for Research and Economic Development. “This effort connects those capabilities in a way that allows us to move faster, work across disciplines and deliver solutions that are relevant in operational environments.”
A national search has been launched for the inaugural executive director of ODU-NSI.
Instead of focusing only on individual technologies, the University’s research teams study how systems behave under real conditions — where physical infrastructure, data networks and human decision-making intersect. ODU-NSI aligns research across four core mission areas, including:
- AI and modeling and simulation;
- Autonomous and maritime systems;
- Cyber, sensing and spectrum operations; and
- Advanced technologies and human performance.
For example, the University’s researchers are using advanced modeling and simulation to understand how disruptions to cyber infrastructure, or cyber systems, could impact port operations or how autonomous systems can operate reliably in challenging maritime environments.
This integrated approach positions the University to support a wide range of national priorities beyond traditional defense research, including infrastructure resilience, energy security, supply chain continuity and next-generation communications.
It also reflects a broader shift in how national security research is conducted.
“National security challenges today require partners to connect the dots across complex systems,” said Dr. Fridley. “As a result, we are bringing together strengths in modeling, autonomy, communications and infrastructure to contribute more comprehensively to national security solutions that move from research into operational environments.”
ODU-NSI will also serve as a gateway for collaboration with federal partners, industry and other research institutions, helping translate University-based research into applied solutions.
As ODU-NSI grows, the University plans to expand research partnerships, develop new training opportunities for students and establish forums to connect researchers with national security stakeholders.
