Located at the Reese National Security Complex, it will help advance research, innovation
and collaboration in national security and critical infrastructure protection.
CREATORS
In 2024, Texas Tech University established an institute dedicated to examining vulnerabilities in the critical infrastructure
of the U.S. and develop methods to clarify and mediate those vulnerabilities.
On Tuesday, construction began on a site to expand that work.
Officials broke ground at the Texas Tech University Reese National Security Complex (RNSC) on the Critical Infrastructure Security Site, which will expand the capacity to advance research, innovation and collaboration
in national security and critical infrastructure protection.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the Texas Tech University
Reese National Security Complex and for our growing leadership in national security
research,” said President Lawrence Schovanec. “As the first major development at the RNSC since the passage of House Bill 5092,
this project demonstrates the momentum behind our efforts to build a nationally recognized
hub for research and workforce development focused on protecting the nation’s critical
infrastructure.”
The Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI) advances the protection, resilience
and security posture of our nation’s critical infrastructure systems. It accomplishes
this goal by developing cutting-edge solutions to emerging security challenges through
interdisciplinary research, innovative education and strategic partnerships. The institute
utilizes infrastructure design, threat intelligence, cyber analytics and research
capacity to achieve this goal.
CISI builds on Texas Tech’s existing strengths in cybersecurity, energy and cyber-physical
systems research as well as its uniquely qualified faculty to ensure the U.S. stays
at the forefront of technology and produces a workforce capable of protecting the
country from future threats. From testing critical power infrastructure to cyber-physical
defense, this facility will allow CISI to serve as a national hub for innovation,
certification and national security while training the next generation of scientists
and engineers.
“This groundbreaking reflects Texas Tech’s growing role in securing the nation’s critical
infrastructure,” said Stephen Bayne, vice president for national security and executive director of the CISI. “This research
site strengthens our ability to protect the systems our nation, state and community
depend on every day and delivers solutions that address evolving threats to infrastructure
security.”
CISI also works with federal, industry and educational partners to monitor and update
networks to strengthen critical infrastructure security and develop standards, best
practices and innovative technologies that will decrease the vulnerabilities of the
electrical grid, water utilities, communication, military and other systems vital
to the economies of the region, state and nation.
“Texas continues to lead the nation in defense innovation and research, and Texas
Tech University’s new Critical Infrastructure Security Site will further strengthen
that mission,” said Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dustin Burrows. “Located
at the Reese National Security Complex, this facility will help develop the next generation
of cybersecurity and defense professionals while advancing critical research that
strengthens our national security and prepares Texas to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
The Texas Legislature remains committed to supporting research and infrastructure
projects that expand these capabilities and support Texas’ leadership in defense and
cybersecurity.”
CISI has already made an impact through a variety of training and curriculum opportunities
to equip professionals already in the workforce as well as high school and college
students preparing to do so.
The West Texas Cyber Workforce Development Consortium established critical infrastructure
security training, providing hands-on experience with resilient, cyber-physical systems
to industry professionals and college and high school students. This is sponsored
by a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The Texas Talent Connections Development grant from the Texas Workforce Commission
combines efforts from Texas Tech, West Texas A&M and others to train high school and
college students as well as those in the industry as information and operations systems
security professionals.
The Army Research Lab workforce development pilot grant supports a comprehensive research
and workforce development program that tackles challenges related to national defense
and enhances research capabilities in cybersecurity and materials science. Students
receive hands-on, real-world experience through applied research projects and internships.
“The start of construction on the Critical Infrastructure Security Site is not only
great news for Texas Tech, but for the Lone Star State as a whole, and I applaud my
friend Speaker Burrows and Texas Tech leaders for their vision to create this important
site,” Sen. John Cornyn said. “Once completed, this facility will strengthen our nation’s
cyber defense capabilities, create opportunities for education and innovation and
bolster Texas’ place as a leader in the evolving field of critical infrastructure
protection.”