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2023 Year in Review

Always focused on the future, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and are based at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering.

The 2023 SEI Year in Review highlights the work of the institute undertaken during the fiscal year spanning October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.

The Stories

2023_thumb_SEI Team Leads First Independent Study on Technical Debt in Software-Intensive DoD Systems

SEI Team Leads First Independent Study on Technical Debt in Software-Intensive DoD Systems

Experts on technical debt and DoD software modernization delivered broad-ranging findings to Congress.

2023_thumb_President’s Cup Competition Expands Access to SEI Cybersecurity Simulations

President’s Cup Competition Expands Access to SEI Cybersecurity Simulations

New and old challenges from the annual cybersecurity competition for federal government employees are now available outside of the event.

2023_thumb_SEI Establishes First AI Security Incident Response Team

SEI Establishes First AI Security Incident Response Team

AISIRT will analyze and respond to threats and security incidents emerging from advances in AI and machine learning.

2023_thumb_SEI Quantum Experts Join Pittsburgh Computing Research Organizations

SEI Quantum Experts Join Pittsburgh Computing Research Organizations

Their membership supports the SEI’s mission and the local research community.

2023_thumb_National Security Demands Rigor, Not Rush, for Generative AI

National Security Demands Rigor, Not Rush, for Generative AI

SEI chief technology officer Tom Longstaff describes the SEI’s approach to the predicted generative AI revolution.

2023_thumb_CISA Adapts Innovative SEI Approach to Transform Vulnerability Management Landscape

CISA Adapts Innovative SEI Approach to Transform Vulnerability Management Landscape

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s efforts include the SEI’s Stakeholder Specific Vulnerability Categorization.

2023_thumb_CMU Collaborations Enhance Outcomes for U.S. Government

CMU Collaborations Enhance Outcomes for U.S. Government

SEI researchers worked with Carnegie Mellon University faculty and students on projects ranging from malicious code detection to a cybersecurity competition.

2023_thumb_Reducing the Risk of UEFI’s Hidden Security Challenges

Reducing the Risk of UEFI’s Hidden Security Challenges

SEI research has improved security for millions of computers.

2023_thumb_SEI Open Source: From Research to Community

SEI Open Source: From Research to Community

The SEI offers many of its research-related tools available to the public.

2023_thumb_Workshop Identifies Critical Needs for U.S. Leadership in Software Engineering, AI Engineering

Workshop Identifies Critical Needs for U.S. Leadership in Software Engineering, AI Engineering

The report from the U.S. Leadership in Software and AI Engineering Workshop outlines national priorities for engineering future software systems.

2023_thumb_Bringing Zero Trust Practices to Army Tactical Networks

Bringing Zero Trust Practices to Army Tactical Networks

Uncertain network environments and multiple cloud service providers complicate zero trust implementation in Army deployments.

2023_thumb_SEI Support for Long Range Standoff Program Spurs New Engagements

SEI Support for Long Range Standoff Program Spurs New Engagements

The SEI is at the forefront of verification and validation research in highly regulated environments.

2023_thumb_Assuring Trustworthiness of AI for Warfighters

Assuring Trustworthiness of AI for Warfighters

The Center for Calibrated Trust Measurement and Evaluation (CaTE) aims to ensure DoD AI systems are safe, reliable, and trustworthy before fielding.

2023_thumb_Pathfinding Project Explores Large Language Models for the Intelligence Mission

Pathfinding Project Explores Large Language Models for the Intelligence Mission

Standing up an LLM for sensitive intelligence work is feasible, but model output requires expert review, according to SEI research.

2023_thumb_Supporting the Human and Technical Elements of Responsible AI for National Defense

Supporting the Human and Technical Elements of Responsible AI for National Defense

SEI engagements with two defense agencies addressed AI workforce development and the operationalization of responsible AI in DoD-adopted commercial technology.

2023_thumb_Extending SysML V2 with AADL Concepts to Support Engineering and Certification of Safety-Critical Systems

Extending SysML V2 with AADL Concepts to Support Engineering and Certification of Safety-Critical Systems

SEI research and leadership bridges the gap between two languages crucial for systems engineering.

2023_thumb_Professional Organization Participation Boosts SEI Staff and Mission

Professional Organization Participation Boosts SEI Staff and Mission

In 2023, many SEI researchers held leadership positions or attained special honors in professional organizations.