KINS functions as a research accelerator and bridge between U of A and government, defense, industry and policy stakeholders.
National security challenges are increasingly shaped by how quickly emerging technologies can be identified, developed, integrated and applied to real-world mission needs. Universities bring deep research capability, scientific creativity and technical expertise to these problems. The Kyl Institute for National Security (KINS) exists to connect that capacity with national security partners requiring trusted, secure, mission-driven solutions.
KINS serves as a bridge between the University of Arizona and government, defense, industry and policy stakeholders. It identifies national security requirements, aligns them with university capabilities, supports capture of funded research opportunities and enables effective program management once those opportunities become active contracts. In this role, KINS functions as a research accelerator, translating University of Arizona expertise into applied outcomes that support national security missions and strengthen the University's research enterprise.
KINS expands the university’s ability to support national security research and provides partners access to appropriately controlled research facilities. KINS Supports the security clearance and access process required for eligible faculty, staff, and students participating in appropriately authorized national security research. KINS is building a scalable security, IT and communications infrastructure that includes:
- Controlled and secure research facilities.
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2 (CMMC2) C3PAO certified environment to support Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and CUI-Specified contracts
- A catalog of university facilities capable of supporting projects with enhanced CUI and security requirements (In development).
KINS's work centers on four strategic focus areas — Space, Optics, Hypersonics, and Information Dominance — with National Security Policy serving as a cross-cutting enabler that connects research capability to federal priorities, funding pathways, legislative interest, acquisition needs and operational demand.