The U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded approximately $588,000 to two researchers at the University of Arkansas for a project focused on enhancing the protection of critical networks during disruptive events. The study, led by assistant professors of industrial engineering, Haoming Shen and Robert Curry, aims to develop mathematical models that guide the collection, sharing, and safeguarding of information amid crises such as natural disasters and cyberattacks.
This research will investigate how the flow and accuracy of information influence a community’s ability to respond to and recover from disruptions. The team will also explore strategic resource allocation, including the deployment of sensors and drones, to better detect threats and protect vital infrastructure.
The project will address two pivotal questions: How can defenders effectively use information to anticipate and identify potential attacks? Additionally, how might misinformation or the strategic sharing of information deter or redirect threats?
“In non-mathematical terms, we are aiming to make data-informed decisions under conditions of uncertainty,” Curry explained.
While the primary focus of the study is on theoretical modeling, its implications could significantly impact future crisis planning and infrastructure protection, particularly in transportation and logistics networks, as noted in a University of Arkansas news release.
Shen emphasized the necessity of configuring sensor networks proactively to detect potential disruptions. “Deploying sensors or conducting sensing tasks requires investment, and budgets are often limited. Therefore, we aim to identify the best strategies for resource allocation to effectively detect attacks and protect our infrastructure,” he stated.
The grant is awarded through the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), a Department of Defense initiative designed to enhance research capacity at universities 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 addition to this funding, the University of Arkansas announced in October 2023 its participation in a national research team under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contract. This collaboration could secure up to $6 million in federal funding to develop advanced video object tracking technology.
The funding from the Air Force and the ongoing projects highlight the university’s commitment to advancing research that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also addresses pressing national security concerns.
