About
The UARC for Intelligence & Security
Since its establishment in 2018, the University of Maryland Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) has served the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Government as a strategic asset for research and development in the intelligence and security domains.
As a DoD-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARLIS develops and maintains deep expertise in human and social systems, advanced computing and emerging technology, and integrated human-machine systems, along with operational expertise in missions across the intelligence and security enterprise. This blend of multi-disciplinary talent enables ARLIS to form uniquely qualified teams to solve problems at the intersection of technology, policy, and people.
ARLIS is a trusted resource for the DoD and the intelligence community. By synthesizing project insights into operational strategies, we strengthen decision-makers’ abilities to respond effectively to emerging threats. Our commitment to excellence and innovation helps ensure the nation remains agile in a rapidly evolving strategic landscape.
As the government confronts the critical intelligence and security challenges ahead, ARLIS is dedicated to enabling national security information advantage and decision superiority by developing scientific foundations and engineering sociotechnical capabilities in the human domain. Our mission-aligned initiatives solidify our role as a key trusted partner for applied research ,informing strategic competition and delivering solutions that secure our nation’s future.
Trusted Adviser
As a DoD-designated UARC, ARLIS is a trusted partner for our government sponsors, ensuring that they have the bench – the capabilities, the expertise, and the skillsets – available to them to help address their needs and solve problems.
ARLIS researchers are working to develop technological innovations to better serve as an independent, trusted advisor supporting the government in roles of
- Test & Evaluation (T&E) and Verification and Validation (V&V) partner,
- Data curation, and
- Broadly contributing to government mission as subject matter experts across a wide range of disciplines.
A key tenet of being a UARC is for ARLIS to operate in the public interest as a strategic partner with our government sponsors, rather than in the interest of corporate shareholders, and to conduct its business in a manner befitting its special relationship with DoD, combining technical excellence with objectivity. ARLIS's role as a UARC also enables a strategic relationship with our sponsors that gives it knowledge of its sponsors' needs and access to their information.
What Makes ARLIS Unique
Core Competencies
ARLIS maintains expertise in three areas: Human and Social Systems, Intelligent Human-Machine Systems and Advanced Computing & Emerging Technologies
Top-Tier Facilities
ARLIS conducts classified and unclassified research in two College Park, Md., facilities close to the main University of Maryland campus.
INSURE Consortium
A resource to help DoD and the broader USG leverage vetted academic talent and expertise to solve hard intelligence and security problems.
Research for Intelligence & Security Challenges (RISC) Program
RISC innovation sprints develop proof-of-concept tools and analysis frameworks for the I&S enterprise, while training top U.S. citizen student researchers nationwide.
We solve critical national security challenges by enabling the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise to outpace and outmaneuver threats through engagement advantage. By delivering trusted science and technology solutions, rigorous testing and evaluation, and actionable insight, we empower decision-makers to respond with speed, precision, and confidence.
We enable national security information advantage and decision superiority by developing scientific foundations and engineering sociotechnical capabilities that enhance engagement, insight, and operational effectiveness across complex environments.
Humans First: People are at the center for all we do. We tackle complex, human-centered national security problems. We value the people focused on these challenges and who put team first.
Mission Always: The mission creates urgency in what we do. We focus on mission impact and help those who serve us to better preserve and defend our democracy.
Trustworthy Together: Our mission puts us in a position demanding trust. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest research and ethical standards. We treat each other with respect.
ARLIS’s strategic goals align with the national, defense and UMD strategies:
Improve Decision Making for National Security: Helping the decision-maker succeed in the face of increasing socio-technical complexity.
Manage Risks to the National Security Environment: Managing risks to technology, supply chains, trusted insiders through application of social science and engineering.
Enhance the Workforce: Growing the cleared technical workforce to meet future government needs.
Build ARLIS: Improving our organization, business practices and relationships with stakeholders.
Enhance the Research and Innovation Ecosystem: Foster national security innovation, job creation and technology transition for important national security endeavors.
Join Us
Whether you are interested in collaborating on a project or would like to know more about what ARLIS has to offer, we want to hear from you.