Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper announced that Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity acting director Peter Highnam will become the official director of the DNI-sponsored research program.Clapper said August 30 that Highnam “will continue to work closely with partners throughout the national security community.”
Prior to joining IARPA in February 2009 as Incisive Analysis Office director, Highnam was a senior advisor at the National Institute of Health.
Highnam holds a Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Health and Human Services and a Civilian Exceptional Service Award from the Department of Defense.
Highnam served as acting IARPA director since Dr. Lisa Porter’s departure in May.
As director of the IARPA, Highnam will be in charge of investing in “high-risk, high-payoff research programs that have the potential to provide the United States with an overwhelming intelligence advantage over future adversaries.”
