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

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.
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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.
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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.
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SEI Quantum Experts Join Pittsburgh Computing Research Organizations
Their membership supports the SEI’s mission and the local research community.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Reducing the Risk of UEFI’s Hidden Security Challenges
SEI research has improved security for millions of computers.
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SEI Open Source: From Research to Community
The SEI offers many of its research-related tools available to the public.
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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.
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Bringing Zero Trust Practices to Army Tactical Networks
Uncertain network environments and multiple cloud service providers complicate zero trust implementation in Army deployments.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Professional Organization Participation Boosts SEI Staff and Mission
In 2023, many SEI researchers held leadership positions or attained special honors in professional organizations.