Critical Infrastructure Research Forum (CIRF)

What is the Critical Infrastructure Research Forum?

The Critical Infrastructure Research Forum (CIRF) aims to create a funded pipeline for research on critical infrastructure protection (CIP). It is a collaboration between IHS and industry partners to address knowledge gaps and develop strategies to reduce risks across all critical infrastructure sectors. The goal is to provide valuable, tailored insights for both industry and public institutions to safeguard infrastructure crucial to Texas and the national economy. We are modeled after and partner with the Texas A&M Mary Kay O’Conner Process Safety Center.

CIRF is funded through corporate sponsorships and research grants, with a Steering Committee offering guidance on prioritizing research projects conducted by IHS’s research team.

Additionally, CIRF aims to offer professional development training and workshops on CIP risk mitigation, aligned with industry needs and security management compliance. These resources will help partners enhance performance and meet their goals.

The Institute for Homeland Security, Sam Houston State University (IHS-SHSU) is announcing the launch of a CSO-CISO Hall of Fame at the Critical Infrastructure Research Forum and Thought Leaders Conference on October 28, 2025.

Membership in the CSO-CISO Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates those CSO's & CISO's who were courageous, visionary leaders who solved complex business issues using security management techniques to do so. They consistently invested in a culture of innovation by empowering their staff to "reach beyond their grasp" which unlocked new, effective, proactive strategies to protect critical infrastructure organizations from emerging, complex security risk issues (cyber or physical) while also quantifiably supporting the achievement of critical infrastructure goals and objectives.

To be inducted into the IHS-SHSU "CSO-CISO Critical Infrastructure Protection" Hall of Fame, a nominee must:

Have served as a CSO or CISO for at least 5 years.

Have worked at a U.S.-based critical infrastructure company.

Have had the company’s operations or sales in the U.S., including Texas.

Demonstrated leadership, management, or professional development that resulted in measurable improvements in critical infrastructure protection, setting a benchmark for industry peers and employee success.

More Information to Come