NORFOLK, Va. — Old Dominion University (ODU) launches a new National Security Institute (ODU-NSI) designed to accelerate research and technology solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing the United States today, including critical infrastructure security, applied artificial intelligence (AI), decision advantage, resilient communications and autonomous operations in complex and dynamic environments.
“Old Dominion University’s National Security Institute will further support our research experts, as well as our robust, established partnerships, to advance critical research for the betterment of our country’s national security and harness creative solutions right here in Coastal Virginia,” said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
This new institute brings together Old Dominion University’s strengths in AI, modeling and simulation, autonomous systems, communications and sensing, maritime and port operations, and advanced technologies into a coordinated, mission-focused effort.
The University’s location in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia — home to one of the largest concentrations of military, maritime and logistics operations in the world — provides a unique advantage. Researchers are working in close proximity to systems that are deployed in operational environments, from ports and shipyards to coastal infrastructure and complex supply chains. That proximity shapes ODU-NSI’s research.
“At Old Dominion University, we already have the expertise and the partnerships,” said Kenneth J. Fridley, Ph.D., vice president for Research and Economic Development. “This effort connects those capabilities in a way that allows us to move faster, work across disciplines and deliver solutions that are relevant in operational environments.”
A national search has been launched for the inaugural executive director of ODU-NSI.
Instead of focusing only on individual technologies, the University’s research teams study how systems behave under real conditions — where physical infrastructure, data networks and human decision-making intersect. ODU-NSI aligns research across four core mission areas, including:
AI and modeling and simulation;
Autonomous and maritime systems;
Cyber, sensing and spectrum operations; and
Advanced technologies and human performance.
For example, the University's researchers are using advanced modeling and simulation to understand how disruptions to cyber infrastructure, or cyber systems, could impact port operations or how autonomous systems can operate reliably in challenging maritime environments.
This integrated approach positions the University to support a wide range of national priorities beyond traditional defense research, including infrastructure resilience, energy security, supply chain continuity and next-generation communications.
It also reflects a broader shift in how national security research is conducted.
“National security challenges today require partners to connect the dots across complex systems,” said Dr. Fridley. “As a result, we are bringing together strengths in modeling, autonomy, communications and infrastructure to contribute more comprehensively to national security solutions that move from research into operational environments.”
ODU-NSI will also serve as a gateway for collaboration with federal partners, industry and other research institutions, helping translate University-based research into applied solutions.
As ODU-NSI grows, the University plans to expand research partnerships, develop new training opportunities for students and establish forums to connect researchers with national security stakeholders.
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Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia's forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,500 students. A top R1 research institution offering rigorous academics, Old Dominion University is recognized nationally for academic excellence, social mobility and access. Military friendly and home to an energetic residential community and robust initiatives that currently contribute $3.8 billion annually to Virginia's economy. Old Dominion University is a leader in the commonwealth. Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, founded July 1, 2024, represents the most comprehensive health sciences center in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At the forefront of digital innovation, Old Dominion University partnered with Google in October 2025 to launch MonarchSphere powered by Google Cloud , a first-of-its-kind AI incubator for higher education.
ODU Research - As one of the nation’s elite R1 institutions and a leading contributor in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the University advances research across a wide range of disciplines, with strategic focus in coastal resilience, health innovations, maritime systems and national security. Cross-cutting strengths in artificial intelligence and machine learning, autonomous and networked systems, computational and data science, cybersecurity and network security, and modeling and simulation connect and amplify this work — supporting collaboration, discovery and solutions to complex challenges.Learn more at odu.edu/research .