Our Purpose
In 2023, Vanderbilt began envisioning an Institute of National Security as part of the ambitious Discovery Vanderbilt, established to pursue vital solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Building on the university's ingrained culture of user-inspired, solutions-oriented research and innovation as well as connections to national security professionals across the United States Armed Forces, the intelligence community, and other entities, the Institute of National Security was created with the goal of becoming the most trusted university ecosystem for national security solutions. We took this bold initiative at a time when there is urgency around the globe for the kind of radical collaboration that Vanderbilt University can uniquely deploy into national security settings to keep our nation safe and the world secure.
Vision
To be the premier institute that develops and supports leaders who serve and solve our most pressing national security challenges.
Mission Statement
To harness Vanderbilt’s expert faculty, strategic partnerships, and interdisciplinary approach to develop leaders who address critical national security issues through education, innovation, convening and advising.
The Institute of National Security aligns seamlessly with Vanderbilt’s vision to drive pathbreaking collaborative research and partnerships addressing society’s core challenges. This institute will have profound and lasting positive impact on global affairs.
Our Work
To achieve our objectives, the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security will focus on four primary initiatives:
- Educate: To develop current and future leaders through interdisciplinary, immersive learning spanning undergraduate, graduate, and executive education
- Innovate: To discover solutions collaborating alongside national security professionals in user-inspired research
- Convene: To assemble thought leaders and build partnerships across diverse communities, addressing the most pressing national security challenges
- Advise: To equip scholars with real world opportunities and deploy experts to amplify impacts in national security