National Security

UConn is helping to secure the future, economically and strategically, by advancing the ways that we protect ourselves physically, digitally, and beyond.

The backbone of Connecticut’s skilled workforce comprises over 130,000 jobs in the aerospace and defense industries. UConn’s partnership programs with industry leaders like Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, and Electric Boat are blazing the trails of innovation. Through collaborations like the Air Force Advanced Manufacturing Initiative and the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT), the University’s research is on the forefront of real-world demand.

Researchers at the Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering (PW-IASE) are making advances in field applications such as smart buildings and cities, aerospace systems, manufacturing and energy industries, robotics, and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the Institute of Materials Science is meeting the demand for stronger, cheaper, lighter, more functional, and more sustainable materials for the latest in security hardware.

At UConn, security and innovation pave the way for the future.

Senior Airman Nevin Konopka, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, awaits the taxi of a B-1B Lancer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 27, 2024, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

Air Force Advanced Manufacturing Initiative

Provides transformative capabilities on manufacturing technologies to defense industry partners and supply chain to reduce scrap rates and increase yield/performance.

Learn more about the Initiative

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Collins Aerospace Center for Advanced Materials

Provides research opportunities in partnership with an industry leader in the aerospace and defense industries.

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Connecticut Advanced Computing Center (CACC)

Investigates, develops, and promotes the best hardware- and software-based security practices in commercial and defense sectors.

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National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT)

A collaborative partnership among government, academia, and industry, dedicated to conducting research, developing the workforce, and advancing technology in the undersea domain.

Learn more about NIUVT

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Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Center (PW AMC)

Utilizes a unique suite of thermophysical property measurement instruments to research fundamental aspects of additive manufacturing.

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Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering (PW-IASE)

Advances the science base of cyber-physical systems to accelerate their technological translation into sustained industrial growth.

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A researcher works intently on a high-precision scientific instrument in a laboratory setting.

Reverse Engineering Fabrication Inspection & Non-Destructive Evaluation (REFINE)

Uses state-of-the-art equipment to research failure analysis, forensic analysis, hardware security, hardware hacking, and reverse engineering of electrical components.

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UConn-Thermo Fisher Scientific Center for Advanced Microscopy and Materials Analysis (CAMMA)

Uses Thermo Fisher Scientific instrumentation, including nine state-of-the-art electron microscopes, to analyze various materials.

Learn more about CAMMA