Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security received a $2.5 million grant from The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation. The grant, which will support research expansion and the Wicked Problems Lab, will be in effect from Oct. 1, 2025, to Oct. 1, 2027.
Bill and Flora Hewlett established The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation in 1966 as a nonpartisan philanthropy. The foundation awards grants to support work focused on democracy, education, climate change and governance, with over 3,000 active grants at any given time.
The grant will be used at the Institute for research initiatives such as the development of the Synthetic Information Filtering Testbed (SIFT). Project SIFT is housed under the Wicked Problems Lab and is designed to counter AI-powered operations, including propaganda and influence campaigns. Project SIFT will be released as an operational testbed for researchers and policymakers by the grant period’s end.
General Paul M. Nakasone (Ret.), the founding director of the Institute, sees the grant as an investment in the work of the Wicked Problems Lab and the Institute’s mission.
“SIFT will give policymakers and researchers an unprecedented ability to understand how artificial intelligence is being weaponized in influence campaigns — and to develop practical, informed responses,” Nakasone said. “Just as importantly, this support allows the Institute to move with speed and agility as new national security challenges emerge, ensuring that research keeps pace with real-world threats.”
Sophomore Leo Bignault, a student worker with the Institute of National Security who helps plan and operate events such as the Speaker Series and Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, sees two primary opportunities that the grant brings.
“The gift will firstly help us gain footing in the National Security sphere, working to solidify our presence and rapport through events like our Speaker Series, academic workshops and the Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats. This donation will help us refine those events, ensuring they operate smoothly and professionally while inviting the best of the national security scene,” Bignault said in a message to The Hustler. “Secondly, we will now be able to develop more expansively than ever with new programs and initiatives. We are already exploring an expanse of new opportunities for companies and students alike, all made possible by this donation.”
First-year Alena Peethala is a member of the Immersion Cohort at the Institute of National Security. Peethala expressed appreciation for the resources and opportunities provided by the Institute and is excited to see the grant’s impact.
“As a student hoping to pursue a career in national security, I value the Institute’s ability to bridge technical and theoretical perspectives. This approach reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field itself,” Peethala said. “I’m excited to see the Institute continue to expand and evolve through this grant, and I look forward to being part of its growth in the years to come.”
