30 APR - 1 MAY, 2025 - Research Day
Connecting academia & government to explore cyber, AI, & critical infrastructure workforce & research innovations to support the warfighter.
AI/Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Research Day
Apr 30 - May 1, 2025
Co-Hosted by UA Little Rock, University of Arkansas & UA Pine Bluff
INVITATION
Join us for a premier event connecting government agencies and academic institutions to explore cyber, AI, and critical infrastructure workforce and research innovations that support the warfighter.
This Research Day facilitates collaboration between federal research entities, academic researchers, and government agencies by showcasing research, identifying mission needs, and advancing technology for national security.
Who Should Attend:
This event is tailored for government program managers seeking to align their mission needs with innovative academic research in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. It is also designed for academic researchers looking to showcase their work, understand federal R&D priorities, and explore opportunities for technology transition into government applications. Senior leaders, policy makers, and representatives from research institutions and federal agencies will benefit from this focused engagement.
What to Expect:
Over two days, attendees will engage with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations highlighting national security R&D priorities. Sessions will cover securing research, addressing workforce gaps, and leveraging academic innovation for national defense. The agenda includes breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and one-on-one meetings to facilitate direct collaboration between academia and government entities. A classified session will be available for eligible participants, providing deeper insights into mission-critical research needs.
This event is open exclusively to government agencies and academic institutions.
Forge Institute’s Atomic Anvil program is in partnership with APEX, a Department of Air Force (DAF) Partnership Intermediary Program (PIA). https://apex-innovates.org
AGENDA
Tuesday, Apr 29:
6:00 PM Reception/Happy Hour - Venue TBD (optional)
Wednesday, Apr 30:
7:00 AM Breakfast, Registration, Check-in
8:00 AM Welcome Remarks
8:15 AM Keynote Speaker
9:00 AM National Security Research & Development Priorities
9:30 AM Arkansas Federal Research & Development Report
10:00 AM Networking & 30 minute break
10:30 AM Academic Presentations
Group A - Workforce
Group B - Research
12:00 PM Lunch & Panel Discussions: Program Manager Priorities
01:15 PM Presentation: Threats to Research
01:45 PM Panel Discussions: Securing Research
02:30 PM Networking & 30 minute break
03:00 PM Panel Discussion
04:00 PM Panel Discussion
04:45 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker
05:00 PM Happy Hour & Posters
Thursday, May 1:
7:30 AM Breakout sessions
Group 1 (Classified)*
Group 2 (Unclassified)
11:30 AM Lunch & Guest Speaker
01:00 PM 1 on 1s
02:30 PM Facilitated Q&A
03:00 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker
*additional information will be provided soon
February 27, 2024 - Defense Catalyst Series With Jeremy Dautenhahn
Jeremy will explore AI and give examples of Google’s real life usage of it.
Join us for an evening of learning and discussion with Jeremy Dautenhahn about AI in the world of Google.
Jeremy leads Google's South Central Public Sector region, overseeing operations across eight states in the Midwest and South, and serving education and government clients.
A five-year veteran of Google, he is an AI evangelist and manages a team that builds partnerships with government agencies to explore new technologies. Prior to Google, Jeremy gained valuable experience at a systems integrator and VMware, holding both technical and non-technical positions.
He holds a Master's in Information Technology from the Harvard Extension School, where he focused on designing and building public sector solutions.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 27th
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Downtown Little Rock