U.S. Air Force Funds $588K Study on Network Protection at U of A

The U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded approximately $588,000 to researchers at the University of Arkansas to investigate how information can enhance the protection of critical networks during disruptive events. The project, spearheaded by assistant professors Haoming Shen and Robert Curry, aims to develop mathematical models that will guide the collection, sharing, and safeguarding of information during crises, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks.

The research will focus on understanding how the flow and accuracy of information impact a community’s capacity to respond to and recover from disruptions. To this end, Shen and Curry will explore the strategic allocation of limited resources, such as sensors or drones, to detect threats and safeguard infrastructure.

Key Objectives of the Research

Central to their investigation are two primary questions: How can defenders leverage information to anticipate and identify potential attacks? Additionally, the researchers will look into how misinformation or strategically shared information might be used to deter or deflect threats.

“If we put it in non-mathematical terms, we’re trying to make a set of data-informed decisions, and we’re trying to make those decisions with uncertain information,” Curry explained. Although the study will largely rely on theoretical modeling, its outcomes could significantly influence future crisis planning and the protection of infrastructure, particularly in the domains of transportation and logistics.

Shen expressed a proactive approach, stating, “We want to configure sensor networks to detect any potential disruptions in our network.” He acknowledged that practical deployment of sensors or conducting sensing tasks requires financial investment, emphasizing the necessity of identifying optimal strategies to allocate resources effectively.

Support and Funding Background

The grant was awarded through the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), a Department of Defense initiative designed to bolster research capacity at universities located in underrepresented states. U.S. Senator John Boozman, a supporter of DEPSCoR, remarked, “This project provides an opportunity to pursue high-quality research with real-world applications like protecting critical infrastructure. Investing in this project reinforces and enhances our largest institution’s significant role in supporting national security.”

In a related development, the University of Arkansas announced in October 2023 its inclusion in a national research team tasked with developing advanced video object tracking technology under a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which could result in up to $6 million in federal funding for the university.

This funding and research position the University of Arkansas at the forefront of critical infrastructure protection, highlighting the ongoing need for innovative solutions in safeguarding national security.