Phil Potter, UVA Batten professor of politics and public policy, has been tapped to lead the new National Security Data and Policy Institute, a partnership announced between the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the University of Virginia.

Backed by a $20 million contract, the institute will coalesce the University’s expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, research computing and public policy to address the country’s most pressing national security issues.

“This institute will leverage UVA’s cutting-edge research capabilities to address national security challenges,” said Potter, founding director of Batten's National Security Policy Center. “We face a challenging national security and intelligence environment characterized by constantly evolving technology, troves of untapped data and increasingly capable and aggressive adversaries. The institute will combine UVA’s scientific expertise and experience working with the national security and intelligence communities to contribute to solutions to these problems.”

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was the catalyst for the institute, with the goal of using next-generation technology to identify potential security threats and protect Americans, Potter said. UVA won the contract through a competitive process.