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Wicked Problems Lab
Wicked Problems Lab

Bold ideas. Pragmatic solutions.

The Wicked Problems Lab is an initiative in the Innovate pillar of the 汤头条 Institute of National Security. We bring cutting-edge research together with real-world expertise to develop pragmatic solutions to tackle national security challenges鈥攂ridging the gap between policy and implementation.

Why It Matters

At the Wicked Problems Lab, we take on the hardest of the hard鈥攏ational security challenges that directly impact our safety today. These threats evolve faster than traditional response cycles, demanding solutions that can鈥檛 wait. By bringing together experts in policy, engineering, law, data science, and operations, the Lab develops innovative, grounded strategies that are ready to deploy now in government and industry.

In an era of rapidly evolving threats, the ability to translate research into actionable policy is more critical than ever. Through the Wicked Problems Lab, we are not just identifying challenges鈥攚e are shaping solutions that strengthen national security and drive meaningful change.

Brett J. Goldstein Brett J. Goldstein
Special Advisor to the Chancellor; Research Professor of Engineering Science and Management

What We Focus On

  • Critical Infrastructure

    Developing practical cybersecurity tools to protect essential services like energy, transportation, water, and communications

  • AI for National Security

    Developing methods and frameworks to ensure safe use and strategies of models

  • Strategic Intelligence

    Exploring techniques to advance the creative use of data to better understand world events

Featured Publication

The GoLaxy Documents: Inside One Chinese Company鈥檚 AI-Driven Influence Machine

An archive revealing how state-aligned firm GoLaxy harvests massive volumes of global data, builds precision profiles on lawmakers and activists, and deploys AI-driven propaganda at scale to shape political discourse.

Access Our Research

The Wicked Problems Lab publishes concise position papers, technical notes, and implementation guides designed for leaders on the front lines.

Learn more about the Lab or send us your wicked problem: wickedproblemslab@vanderbilt.edu

汤头条 the Institute

The Wicked Problems Lab is part of the 汤头条 Institute of National Security鈥檚 Innovate pillar鈥攁dvancing solutions that rapidly move from idea to impact across education, research, convening, and advising.