The University of Virginia (UVA) is proud to announce the launch of the National Security Data and Policy Institute (NSDPI), a new initiative designed to advance national security through cutting-edge research, data analysis, and policy solutions. As part of this initiative, UVA’s Biocomplexity Institute (BI) is contributing innovative AI research and solutions that will bolster efforts to detect illicit financial activity and address vulnerabilities within global supply chains.
Through this collaboration, the BI team is developing reliable AI search algorithms that will be integrated into a generative AI tool capable of identifying and responding to national security threats. By leveraging both open-source and commercial data, these algorithms will drive the creation of tools designed to seamlessly transition into the sponsor’s environment and potentially be adapted for classified applications.
“We are excited to contribute our expertise in data-driven analysis and AI to the National Security Data and Policy Institute,” said Dr. Madhav Marathe, Executive Director of the Biocomplexity Institute. “Our advanced algorithms will provide the intelligence community with persistent detection capabilities, delivering a significant decision advantage. By combining text data with technical data, we can create more sophisticated models that go beyond traditional approaches, offering novel insights and better predictive power.”
One of the key innovations being pursued is the development of foundation models that combine scientific literature with advanced material data. Existing large language models (LLMs) are often limited by the text data in scientific papers, restricting their potential to generate novel insights. By integrating these text-based models with technical data from material science and other sources, the new foundation models will be able to generate new results, analyze data in innovative ways, and provide intelligence analysts with actionable findings that were previously inaccessible.
This work aims to improve the ability of the national security community to detect and mitigate risks, from financial fraud to vulnerabilities in critical supply chains, while providing a robust and adaptable toolset that can be deployed in both open and classified settings. "Our collaboration with the National Security Data and Policy Institute is an exciting opportunity to leverage AI and complex systems modeling for real-world national security applications,” said Samarth Swarup, Research Associate Professor at the Biocomplexity Institute. By integrating advanced algorithms with data from diverse sources, we are developing powerful tools that will provide actionable insights and enhance the ability to mitigate risks across various critical domains."
The National Security Data and Policy Institute brings together experts from various fields within UVA to address emerging national security challenges. By integrating data science, AI, and policy expertise, the institute will contribute to building smarter, safer systems for the future. According to Phil Potter, Director of the NSDPI, "The launch of the NSDPI represents a major step forward in advancing national security through the strategic application of data science and AI. By partnering with the Biocomplexity Institute, we are pioneering innovative algorithms that can help the national security community stay ahead of emerging threats, from financial fraud to vulnerabilities in supply chains."
About the National Security Data and Policy Institute
The National Security Data and Policy Institute at UVA is committed to advancing the field of national security through data science, artificial intelligence, and policy innovation. Its mission is to provide the national security community with actionable insights and tools to address emerging challenges in security, supply chains, financial systems, and other critical domains. For more information on the National Security Data and Policy Institute, please visit nationalsecurity.virginia.edu.
About the Biocomplexity Institute
The Biocomplexity Institute at UVA is a leader in interdisciplinary research, focused on the application of data science, AI, and complex systems modeling to address a wide range of societal challenges. With expertise in health, energy, and national security, the Biocomplexity Institute is committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions for complex, real-world problems.