Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most prevalent topic across multiple strategic drivers for research and development within the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). It has the potential to significantly impact the Department across many missions and to spawn new inventions and additional advances in numerous other domains.
As AI and autonomous systems (AS) become mainstream, it is critical that S&T understands the landscape, the evolution of the various aspects of the technology, and the supporting science as they affect the needs of the Department.
Key areas of S&T’s AI research include computer vision for applications such as surveillance and screening systems and biometrics, and natural language processing for applications such as law enforcement and immigration services. Key use cases for AS include transportation (automotive, aerospace, maritime, and rail), utilities (water and wastewater, oil and gas, electric power, and telecommunications), and facility operations (security, energy management, environmental control, and safety).
S&T’s focus areas in AI and AS include:
- Trustworthy AI/AS
We aim to assess the performance of AI/AS for potential operational use to maintain the integrity of DHS missions and to ensure the appropriate systems are employed.
- Adversarial AI
Across all the layers in the communications and tech stacks (data, software, hardware, networks, and communications), we must guard against sophisticated adversaries employing AI attacks.
- Advanced Applications of AI/AS for Unique DHS Missions
We seek to advance AI/AS capabilities in various subfields (such as computer visioning, natural language processing, predictive modeling, etc.) to drive application of AI/AS across specific DHS missions and needs (e.g., biometric capabilities, media, and analytics for mis/dis/mal information, digital forensics, etc.).
Our investments today in AI research and development support our ability to meet immediate mission needs, while preparing the Department for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
S&T Preparedness Series
This series sets the stage for understanding how scientific and technological advances, including artificial intelligence, are providing security operators new options to manage and anticipate the impacts of future change. The series also raises awareness of our unpredictable future, emphasizing the importance of creating a preparedness posture that reduces operational risk, enhances decision-making, and boosts mission effectiveness.
“By asking how we hedge against a future that no one can fully predict
and how we can take the necessary risks, S&T’s Preparedness Series serves as a
guide for impactful research and technology investments that prepare
the Department and country for over-the-horizon challenges and opportunities.”
—Dimitri Kusnezov, Under Secretary for Science and Technology
- Preparedness in Times of Rapid Change
- S&T/Harvard Climate Workshop: Opportunities for Improved Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic and Alaska
- Foundation Models at the Department of Homeland Security: Use Cases and Considerations
- Risks and Mitigation Strategies for Adversarial Artificial Intelligence Threats: A DHS S&T Study
On April 20, 2023, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas established the DHS Artificial Intelligence Task Force to advance specific mission applications of AI across DHS. Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dimitri Kusnezov was asked to co-lead the task force with DHS Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen. The task force was charged with advancing the application of AI to critical homeland security missions in four priority initiatives:
- Enhance the integrity of supply chains and the broader trade environment;
- Leverage AI to counter the flow of fentanyl into the United States through better detection methods and disruption of criminal networks;
- Apply Al to digital forensic tools to help identify, locate, and rescue victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, and to identify and apprehend the perpetrators; and
- Work with our partners in government, industry, and academia, to assess the impact of Al on our ability to secure critical infrastructure.
Visit the DHS Artificial Intelligence homepage to learn more about how DHS and its components are using artificial intelligence responsibly to advance its homeland security mission.
- Technologically Speaking Podcast: Pain That Hurts and Pain That Alters
- Feature Article: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Is Smart for Explosive Detection
- Blog: Staying Safe Online
- News Release: S&T Awards Funds to a Startup Developing Object Detection & Tracking Algorithms for Securing Soft Targets
- Blog: Research Agenda Prepares for the Future of Science and Technology
- News Release: DHS S&T Awards Funds to Brooklyn Startup Developing Flood Analytics Tech
- Feature Article: Giving a Dam Some Much-Needed Support
- Feature Article: Testing Environments Help S&T and CISA Secure Transportation Infrastructure
- Feature Article: S&T Tech Leads to Children Rescued and Traffickers Arrested
- News Release: S&T Awards Funds for Developing Anomaly Detection Systems for Securing Soft Targets
- Advanced Opioid Trafficking Analytics to Aid Investigations Fact Sheet
- TechNote: AI-Facilitated Emergency Medical Services Call Center Software
- DHS Science & Technology Directorate Technology Centers Research Agenda
- Memo on the Establishment of a DHS Artificial Intelligence Task Force
- S&T Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Strategic Plan
- S&T Cybersecurity / Information Analysis R&D Program
- S&T Digital Forgeries Report: Technology Landscape Threat Assessment
- System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program
- Technologically Speaking Podcast: Teaching Machines to Detect Explosives
Learn more about us and discover how your organization can partner with S&T to make the homeland more secure.