National Security Research and Initiatives
Welcome
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a legacy of cutting-edge research in the national interest. With our extensive research infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise, world-class people, and a commitment to addressing the toughest global challenges, UW–Madison contributes significantly to the national security landscape, while enriching our academic and societal impact.
This is a hub for driving interdisciplinary collaborations between universities, industries, government agencies, and national labs to advance national security research, education, partnerships, and workforce development.
Vision and Mission
Vision: Establish UW–Madison as a nationally recognized leader in collaborative, interdisciplinary research and education that actively addresses the most pressing national security challenges.
Mission: Harness UW–Madison’s world-class research capabilities to advance innovative and impactful national security research; cultivate diverse and highly skilled professionals for national security careers; and extend the benefits of our discoveries beyond campus, reflecting the Wisconsin Idea by directly contributing to state and national well-being.
“In today’s complex global environment, federal research partnerships in national security are more critical than ever. We can deepen our impact, expand opportunities for researchers and students, and reinforce our role as a leader in research that safeguards the public good.” — Dorota Brzezińska, Vice Chancellor for Research
“Relationships across the national security enterprise will amplify the university’s voice in critical conversations. Campus strengths will be connected to new partners, bringing UW–Madison’s ingenuity and the Wisconsin Idea to the forefront of the national security landscape.” — Craig Thompson, Vice Chancellor for University Relations
Key Functions
- Research Integration: Foster interdisciplinary research collaborations addressing national security challenges.
- Promote Capabilities: Market UW–Madison’s people, facilities, and capabilities in our Core Competencies to national security partners.
- Partnership Expansion: Strengthen national security relationships with federal agencies, state government, industry, and other academic institutions.
- Workforce Development: Develop educational programs and training to prepare students for careers in national security sectors.
Core Competencies
- AI: Leveraging UW–Madison’s interdisciplinary expertise to advance ethical and transformative artificial intelligence applications for national security.
- Cyber: Strengthening cybersecurity through UW–Madison’s comprehensive research and education initiatives that protect critical infrastructure and information systems.
- Quantum: Accelerating quantum technology innovation by harnessing UW–Madison’s leadership in quantum science and engineering to address national security challenges.
- Materials: Pioneering advanced material research at UW–Madison to develop resilient, high-performance solutions critical to defense and security applications.
- Energy: Leveraging UW–Madison’s extensive expertise in energy research, processes, and platforms, from internal combustion engines to cutting-edge fusion technologies.
- Space: Utilizing UW–Madison’s space science and spacecraft engineering capabilities to support secure and innovative space and satellite technologies.
- Health: Applying UW–Madison’s renowned biomedical research strengths to protect public health, advance service member care, and enhance biosecurity preparedness.
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Agriculture: Harnessing UW–Madison’s expertise to safeguard domestic food systems, anticipate and mitigate disruptions, and create resilient food security policies and technologies.
Strategic Benefits
- Enhanced Research Opportunities: Participation in national security research opens avenues for increased funding and collaboration with federal agencies.
- Workforce Development: Engaging in national security-related projects prepares students and researchers for careers in high-demand sectors, bolstering the university’s role and contributions to national security and high-tech workforce development.
- Reinforcing the Wisconsin Idea: By contributing to national security, UW–Madison extends our commitment to public service and our responsibility as a public land-grant research institution, aligning with our mission to improve lives beyond the campus.
“UW–Madison is among our nation’s crown jewels as a land-grant public research university, with a long and proud legacy of conducting groundbreaking research in the national interest.” — Dave Schroeder, Director of National Security Initiatives
Resources
Resources for UW–Madison faculty and staff:
- National Security Google Group — an email group for sharing national security research and funding opportunities
- National Security Microsoft Team — a team for collaborating on national security research news and current events
- Wisconsin Security Research Consortium (WSRC) — a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation affiliated with UW–Madison
- Resources for researchers — links to agencies, solicitations, and other information about national security research
- Research Security — information and resources about research security, export control, and compliance requirements