COLLEGE PARK, Md. - On June 5, the National Foreign Language Center at the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (NFLC@ARLIS) celebrated 40 years of advancing world language education, assessment, policy, and applied research in support of national needs and global understanding.
Since its founding in 1986, NFLC@ARLIS has strengthened world language capability across education, government, and national security communities. Its work spans language training, assessment, cross-cultural immersion, linguistic analysis, and the development of resources that help learners and professionals communicate more effectively across languages and cultures.
“As a UARC focused on intelligence and security, we see every day how language and culture effect decision-making,” said Dr. John Beieler, ARLIS Executive Director. “NFLC’s innovation has built a bridge between academic expertise and real-world missions.”
Today, NFLC@ARLIS continues to deliver innovative language solutions, drawing on experience developing courses, materials, and assessments in more than 100 languages. Its e-Learning Portal includes more than 7,000 language learning materials across dozens of languages and dialects, supporting educators, students, government professionals, and military linguists preparing for real-world missions.
On this milestone, ARLIS celebrates NFLC’s history, recognize the people and partnerships behind its success, and look ahead to the future of language learning. As the center enters its next chapter, its mission remains rooted in helping people better understand each other and the world around them.
“As the world changes, the need to understand one another does not,” said Connie DiJohnson, Mission Manager of NFLC@ARLIS. “For 40 years, NFLC has partnered with educators, researchers, and government leaders to broaden access to language education. Without this work, we would not have the depth of linguistic and cultural expertise our nation relies on to learn, to teach, and carry out critical missions around the world.”
NFLC’s 40th anniversary is both a celebration of its legacy and a reminder of the call to continue expanding access to language and cultural understanding in an increasingly complex world.
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ABOUT THE APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland is a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and technology transition to improve decision making for U.S. national security. ARLIS advances high‐value research and state-of-the-art infrastructure to provide engagement advantage. ARLIS combines deep scientific expertise with operational insight to address challenges in intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence / machine learning, quantum science, and human-machine teaming. Researchers, scientists, engineers, and analysts at ARLIS collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to deliver actionable insights and transformative solutions through research and development. ARLIS provides access to world-class students and researchers, expanding the pipeline of skilled talent essential to drive technological innovation and strengthen national capabilities. Employees at ARLIS work on projects of critical importance, contribute directly to the nation’s security, and are supported by a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth.