U.S. Air Force Awards $588K Grant to U of A for Network Protection Study

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 influences the protection of critical networks during disruptive events. The research project, spearheaded by assistant professors of industrial engineering Haoming Shen and Robert Curry, aims to create mathematical models that will guide the collection, sharing, and safeguarding of information during crises, including natural disasters and cyberattacks.

The study will focus on understanding how the flow and accuracy of information impact a community’s resilience against disruptions. The research team will also explore strategies for the efficient allocation of limited resources, such as sensors or drones, which are essential for detecting threats and protecting infrastructure.

Haoming Shen, who serves as the principal investigator for the project, emphasized the importance of proactive measures in network protection. “We want to proactively configure sensor networks to detect any potential disruptions in our network,” he stated. “However, in practice, deploying sensors or conducting sensing tasks requires investment, and the total amount of a budget is always limited. So we want to identify best strategies to allocate resources and to detect these attacks and strategically protect our infrastructure.”

The project seeks to address two key questions: How can defenders utilize information to anticipate and discover potential attacks? And how might misinformation or strategic information sharing be employed to deter or deflect threats?

Curry provided insight into the project’s broader implications, stating, “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.”

While the study primarily involves theoretical modeling, the outcomes could significantly influence crisis planning and infrastructure protection, particularly in transportation and logistics networks. The research is part of the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), which is designed to bolster research capacity at universities in underrepresented states.

U.S. Senator John Boozman, a supporter of DEPSCoR, commented on the project’s potential impact, stating, “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 initiative to develop advanced video object tracking technology under a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This contract could potentially bring up to $6 million in federal funding to the university, further enhancing its research capabilities in critical areas.

The collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and the University of Arkansas exemplifies a commitment to advancing research that addresses the pressing challenges of safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring national security.