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Overview
The information below describes an NSF-funded project for planning the formation of a potential new center. Planning activities include: industry engagement, workshop planning and execution; identification of research areas of strong industrial interest/need; realization of industrial support commitments; future preparation of a proposal to NSF seeking funding for a Phase I center.
The Center for Infrastructure Security in the Era of AI (ISEAI) envisions a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) seamlessly integrates into the security fabric of modern infrastructure across a wide range of domains including energy and transportation among others. The Center’s mission is to address current and future challenges in Infrastructure Security through collaborative research between interdisciplinary academic researchers, government labs, and industry partners.
ISEAI will address the critical need for innovative solutions and advanced AI techniques to tackle current and future challenges and increase the resilience of critical national infrastructure against a vast array of both traditional and AI-enabled cyber threats across critical domains such as energy, healthcare, government facilities, and transportation. Key challenges include, among others, developing robust authentication mechanisms, securing legacy systems, and adapting to an evolving threat landscape that is currently dominated by the rise of AI. Additionally, the integration of IoT devices and other emerging technologies into infrastructure systems presents new complexities, necessitating advanced threat detection and mitigation strategies.
Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, ISEAI aims to enhance the resilience and security of critical infrastructure globally. The outcomes of the Center’s research will address not only the needs of industry players operating in this space but also the need of governments to secure their critical infrastructure against domestic and foreign threats.
The Center’s research thrust areas will include but are not limited to (1) AI-enabled real-time threat detection, (2) AI-driven resilience, (3) data privacy, (4) ethical AI governance, (5) AI-enabled predictive maintenance, (6) supply chain security, (7) autonomous cybersecurity operations, (8) AI-enhanced situational awareness, (9) human factors and human-AI interaction, and (10) AI in emergency response.
Personnel
Dong (Kevin) Jin
Site Director, University of Arkansas
dongjin@uark.edu
Prakash Ranganathan
Site Director, University of North Dakota
prakash.ranganathan@und.edu
Awards
The grant aims to initiate collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners to explore and address current and future cyber threats to critical infrastructure. It will utilize AI to enhance resilience against both traditional and AI-enabled attacks. UND will collaborate with industry and government partners across the North Central region, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and surrounding areas, to develop innovative solutions for securing diverse infrastructure systems—from transportation to energy distribution.
This initiative has the potential to make an impact by translating research findings into practical applications that improve infrastructure security. UND’s expertise in cybersecurity, energy research, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will drive advancements in technology and foster a collaborative environment among researchers, industry, and government. The grant will facilitate technology transfer, promote economic growth, and contribute significantly to national security and resilience. The project will positively influence workforce development by involving students at all educational levels.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
When realized, the ISEAI Center will conduct applied research at the forefront of infrastructure security using advanced AI techniques, significantly contributing to the intellectual landscape. It aims to generate cutting-edge insights and solutions that address current challenges and deepen the foundational understanding of evolving threats from traditional and AI-enabled malicious actors. By developing practical solutions, the ISEAI Center effectively bridges theoretical advancements with real-world applications. This planning grant will help the UA site enhance research and education at the intersection of infrastructure security and AI.
When created, the ISEAI Center will have substantial societal impact by enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure systems. Through innovative solutions and active student involvement at all levels, the Center will contribute to workforce development and foster a skilled talent pool. Furthermore, ISEAI will commit to technology advancement and transfer, integration of research outcomes into practical industry applications, drive innovation and economic growth and address societal needs, thereby bolstering national security, resilience, and well-being. This planning grant will facilitate closer interactions between faculty and students at UA, with industry.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >