The University of Arizona has launched the Kyl Institute for National Security to replace and expand the University of Arizona Applied Research Corporation, a nonprofit established in 2018 to facilitate mission-focused partnerships.
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What Is U of A’s Kyl Institute for National Security?
The Kyl Institute is an initiative aimed at strengthening U of A’s ability to translate research into capabilities that support national security and defense priorities, the university said Friday. The institute will address emerging security challenges, drawing on the university’s research in directed energy, hypersonics, materials science, optical sciences and imaging, space science, space domain awareness, and space systems engineering.
Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Robin Rand will serve as president and CEO of the Institute, which will operate as an independent nonprofit, serving as a gateway for federal agencies, defense contractors and research partners to access U of A expertise.
“The Kyl Institute for National Security provides the focused capacity for the University of Arizona to advance technologies and bring forward talent that elevate capability and create advantages for our federal and defense partners, as well as those in uniform,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella.
Who Is Kyl Institute Named After?
The institute is named for former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, a university alumnus who represented Arizona in the House of Representatives and the Senate for a total of 26 years. Kyl held seats on major committees and played a prominent role in shaping national security, defense and intelligence-related policy.
“The University of Arizona played an important role in my life. It’s especially meaningful to see the university applying its research strengths in partnership with government and the private sector to address real-world national security challenges,” Kyl said.
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