NSF seeks to stimulate research in areas that support the effective provision of insurance against terrorism and catastrophic cyber risks

The U.S. National Science Foundation issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) seeking proposals to the Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) program to catalyze research that advances the insurance sector's modeling and underwriting of terrorism and catastrophic cyber risks. These risks pose significant potential insurer liability with impacts that can spread far beyond the initial target, including cascading losses across broad geographic areas and business sectors.

Jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Insurance Office and the NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, and Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences directorates, the goal of this DCL is to stimulate research in areas that support the effective provision of insurance against terrorism and catastrophic cyber risks. 

This funding opportunity is specifically designed to bring together the insurance sector, academic teams, government and other stakeholders to focus on developing and refining terrorism and catastrophic cyber insurance modeling and underwriting to strengthen the resilience of the U.S. financial system.

IUCRCs are powerful vehicles developed by NSF, through which university faculty and students work with an industry consortium to address the shared technological challenges facing a sector of the U.S. economy. With support from center members, IUCRCs carry out cutting-edge, pre-competitive research and prepare a diverse, highly skilled science and engineering workforce attuned to industry needs. Through high-impact, use-inspired research and workforce development, IUCRCs drive technology innovation. 

To learn more, read the DCL.