Skip to page content

Informatics

Featured

RAND was at the forefront of early computing and data science. In the 1950s, we built computers to improve researchers' analytic and modeling capabilities. We also developed data communications technologies that were forerunners of the internet. Today, RAND experts recommend policies and best practices to support safe and secure technological innovation and adoption.

Q&A

Intel, Ethics, and Emerging Tech: Q&A with Cortney Weinbaum

Aug 23, 2019

Cortney Weinbaum studies topics related to intelligence and cyber policy as a senior management scientist at RAND. In this interview, she discusses challenges facing the intelligence community, the risks of using AI as a solution, and ethics in scientific research.
Research Brief

When an Autonomous Vehicle Is Hacked, Who Is Liable?

Jul 12, 2019

Hacks on autonomous vehicles could lead to deaths, property destruction, ransomware attacks, or data theft. Several scenarios illustrate the policy challenges facing the civil legal system, insurers, and others.

Topics in Focus:

Explore Cyber and Data Sciences

Commentary

A Code of Conduct for AI in Defense Should Be an Extension of Other Military Codes

An AI code of conduct for defense should look a lot like all other defense codes of conduct. A global society that would create the Geneva Convention is a society that believes in a moral code for warfare, and this same moral code could extend into its weaponized algorithms.

Sep 11, 2019
Report

Report

Characterization of the Synthetic Opioid Threat Profile to Inform Inspection and Detection Solutions

Researchers from the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center evaluated publicly available data to better understand consumption and supply of illegally imported synthetic opioids. In this report, they provide their findings and recommendations.

Sep 9, 2019
News Release

News Release

Hostile Social Manipulation by Russia and China a Growing but Poorly Understood Threat

With the role of information warfare in global strategic competition becoming much more apparent, a new RAND Corporation report delves into better defining and understanding the challenge facing the United States by focusing on the hostile social manipulation activities of the two leading users of such techniques: Russia and China.

Sep 4, 2019
Report

'Hostile Social Manipulation' Is a Growing Threat to the United States

Hostile social manipulation includes social media campaigns, sophisticated forgeries, cyberbullying, and spreading rumors and conspiracy theories to cause damage to a state. As these techniques are used by Russia and China, the United States should invest more resources to understand and counter them.

Sep 4, 2019
Journal Article

Journal Article

Cybersecurity: A State-of-The-Art Review

This study examines the current state-of-the-art in the field of cybersecurity, reporting on the methods and analysis undertaken to assess this area. It also provides research questions for the NCTV to consider for their research agenda.

Sep 4, 2019
Report

The Thickening Web of Asian Security Cooperation

Key U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific have been strengthening their defense ties with regional actors over the past two decades. To what extent is this a response to the perceived threat of a rising, assertive China? And how will these new commitments affect the United States?

Aug 29, 2019
Report

What Will Drive the Next Generation of Salafi-Jihadis?

Continued economic stagnation and a high youth unemployment rate, exacerbated by the Muslim youth bulge, could lead to failed expectations and spur radicalization among disenchanted Gen Z Muslims. And this cohort's familiarity with the internet could foreshadow an adaptive, tech-savvy terrorist threat.

Aug 22, 2019
Research Brief

Research Brief

Assessing the Use of Data Analytics in Department of Defense Acquisition

This research brief addresses congressional concerns about the use of data analysis, measurement, and other evaluation-related methods in U.S. Department of Defense acquisition programs and decisionmaking.

Aug 13, 2019
Report

Report

Assessing Department of Defense Use of Data Analytics and Enabling Data Management to Improve Acquisition Outcomes

Congress asked about acquisition data analytics in the Department of Defense. This report identifies and measures capabilities and recent progress. Barriers to improvement include a culture against data sharing due to security and burden concerns.

Aug 13, 2019
Report

Forensic Familial and Moderate Stringency DNA Searches: Policies and Practices in the United States, England, and Wales

Forensic DNA databases help solve crimes. When an exact DNA match is not found, familial DNA and moderate stringency search may provide investigative leads. Evidence-based practices can guide policymakers on the use and effectiveness of this method.

Aug 12, 2019
Tool

Forensic DNA Surveillance Tool

This tool shows criminal justice policymakers how state policies affect the size and racial composition of forensic DNA databases. Users can view current state policies or change inputs and assumptions to see how database composition is impacted.

Aug 12, 2019
Report

What Correctional Institutions Need to Address Security Challenges

Some threats to the security of correctional institutions—such as violence, escape attempts, and contraband—are as old as the institutions themselves. But as society and technology evolve, new threats are emerging, including hacking, synthetic drugs, and drones.

Jul 31, 2019
Report

Report

Attracting, Recruiting, and Retaining Successful Cyberspace Operations Officers: Cyber Workforce Interview Findings

Recruiting and retaining military cyberspace officers is critical to national security. Through interviews, the authors examine potential drivers of retention and recruiting among cyberspace operations officers, making recommendations for the future.

Jul 26, 2019
Report

Measuring Health Care Utilization in Medicare Advantage Encounter Data: Methods, Estimates, and Considerations for Research

This report describes methodologies, estimates, and technical considerations related to measuring health care utilization in Medicare Part C encounter data.

Jul 25, 2019
Commentary

Cyber Threats from the U.S. and Russia Are Now Focusing on Civilian Infrastructure

For years, Russia and the United States have been targeting each other's infrastructure through cyberattacks. But the aggression and scope of these operations now seem unprecedented. What are the best options for U.S. policymakers?

Jul 23, 2019
Report

Fostering Innovation to Respond to Top Challenges in Law Enforcement: Proceedings of the National Institute of Justice's 2018 Chiefs' Panel on Priority Law Enforcement Issues and Needs

An expert panel of law enforcement leaders identified challenges facing law enforcement today, and their priorities are presented in this report. Panel members discussed needs for innovation that, if pursued, might help resolve those challenges.

Jul 22, 2019
News Release

Child Psychiatry Telephone Consultation Programs Help Increase Mental Health Services for Children

Telephone hotlines that allow primary care doctors to immediately consult with a child psychiatrist about urgent patient problems appear to increase the number of children who receive aid, offering one strategy to help more children receive mental health services.

Jul 15, 2019
Report

Report

When Autonomous Vehicles Are Hacked, Who Is Liable?

The arrival of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the roads will require policymakers, industry, and the public to adapt to the risk of hackers attacking these vehicles. RAND researchers explored the civil liability issues related to hacked AVs.

Jul 12, 2019

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next

RAND Topic:
Cyber and Data Sciences

Topic Synonyms:
Computer and Information Science and Technology;
Computer Science;
Computer Technology;
Computing;
Informatics;
Information Science;
Information Technology;
IS;
IST;
IT

Research conducted by