UT researchers participate in the advancement of National Security in a variety of ways. Through key partnerships and collaborations, defense research at the University advances next-generation capabilities and readiness needed to ensure our national security. The outcomes of defense research can lead to technological advancements, enhanced military capacity and innovations that have both civilian and military applications in healthcare, disaster relief, cybersecurity, infrastructure, transportation and peacekeeping policy.
Many of these contributions have a direct and positive impact for those who protect our country through their military service.
Applied Research Laboratories (ARL:UT)
Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT) is a Department of Defense (DoD) University-Affiliated Research Center and the largest organized research unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors portfolio.
ARL:UT advances UT Austin’s mission of education, research and public service. Through fundamental research, innovative science and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security.
An integral part of the top-tier research University, ARL:UT builds upon a 78-year history of world-class research and expertise for the DoD and other sponsors supporting their critical and ongoing quest to maintain the technological advantage that is critical to our nation. ARL:UT’s top-quality research staff with deep technical expertise provides multi-disciplinary research and unbiased guidance to the government and tackles complex and challenging problems. Its strong commitment to student employment and programs provides support to the next generation of scientists and engineers and helps to shape the future of defense research.
Defense Research Advancement (DRA)
UT ’s Defense Research Advancement (DRA) office is a dedicated team through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors focused on leveraging technical expertise to represent UT Austin’s commitment to national security. Acting as a liaison and steward, DRA engages with campus researchers and the defense innovation ecosystem to solve complex challenges, advance scientific discovery and train relevant workforce.
DRA helps manage UT campus research partnerships with Army Futures Command and more recently, with the US Space Force. Additionally, the team has an overall understanding of DoD Science and Technologies priorities across services, regularly engaging with Army, Navy, Air Force, US Space Force, Special Operations Command, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and other agencies.
DRA works closely with Applied Research Laboratories (ARL:UT), a Department of Defense University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) and separate organized research unit (ORU) within the OVPR portfolio.
Additional Defense Research Initiatives
Other centers and institutes at UT also work to advance policies, research and technology to improve national security. Those include:
Clements Center for National Security
The William P. Clements, Jr. Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin draws on the best insights of diplomatic and military history to train the next generation of national security leaders. Established in 2013 with the support of distinguished policymakers and scholars, the Clements Center is a nonpartisan research and policy center uniquely positioned in the Office of the President.
The Clements Center honors former Texas Governor Bill Clements and his leadership on national security during his service as Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1973-77. Governor Clements managed the Pentagon and helped guide American national security policy during a critical time. He brought a deep appreciation for history to every aspect of his leadership, policies and decision-making.
Oden Institute for Computational Science
The Oden Institute for Computational Science provides an inclusive interdisciplinary environment that enables outstanding research, fosters high-impact collaborations and advances graduate education in the field of computational science and engineering.
Strauss Center for International Security and Law
The Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law integrates expertise from across UT Austin, as well as from the private and public sectors, in pursuit of practical solutions to emerging international challenges. The Center sponsors a wide array of research programs and educational initiatives, including nationally recognized programs on National Security Law, Cybersecurity, Technology and Global Affairs, the U.S.-Mexico Border, U.S. policy toward Asia and Space Policy. The Strauss Center also offers numerous fellowship and scholarship programs for UT-Austin students with an interest in international security.
The Strauss Center – Applied Research Laboratories Joint Studies Program
The Strauss Center-Applied Research Laboratories Joint Studies Program is a multidisciplinary program that applies research in law, political science, engineering and the natural sciences to problems in national security, defense and public service.
To advance the Strauss Center and ARL:UT’s mission in public service, the Joint Studies Program provides hands-on research opportunities, fellowships and mentorship for undergraduate and graduate students. It supports collaborations between researchers, building bridges between disciplines, and it serves as a repository of knowledge focused on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies in order to guide their applications.
Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)
The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) designs and operates some of the world's most powerful computing resources. The center's mission is to enable discoveries that advance science and society through the application of advanced computing technologies.
Texas Advanced Computing Center
