Over 90% of global trade travels through the world’s maritime domain, making it a linchpin of international commerce. Safeguarding this vast ecosystem is vital—not only for the secure transport of goods and passengers, but also for economic resilience and national security. However, escalating challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, transnational crime networks, cyber intrusions, aggressive nation-state tactics, and environmental/climate disruptions demand a proactive, coordinated strategy from stakeholders across the ecosystem.

The Institute of Homeland Security is seek industry and academic experts to submit proposals for research papers to be complete by May 31, 2026 on topics related to risks posed to the U.S. and international maritime ecosystem.

Maritime Border Security

examines protection, monitoring, collaboration strategies with private sector, and advanced technologies to secure ports, coastal infrastructure, maritime boundaries, and territorial waters. Focus areas include threat detection, domain awareness, port protection, and the integration of naval, coast guard, homeland security, and law enforcement operations to safeguard national interests in territorial waters and critical maritime infrastructure. The discussion involves preventing and responding to threats: illegal trafficking (drugs, weapons, people); unauthorized fishing and resource exploitation; smuggling and piracy; terrorist activity; adverse environmental activity; and unauthorized entry of vessels or individuals. The goal is to ensure sovereignty, economic security, and safe navigation.

Maritime Cybersecurity

examines the growing cybersecurity challenges facing the maritime sector, including threats to shipboard systems, port infrastructure, and supply chain networks. The discussion focuses on risk management, emerging cyber threats, adversarial use of artificial intelligence, regulatory compliance (e.g., IMO 2021), and best practices for securing operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) in increasingly connected maritime environments. This session includes a discussion of U.S. Coast Guard regulations, including the new Cybersecurity Final Rule (effective July 2025) and cyber protections for ports and vessels.

Littoral Disruptions and Cascading Consequences on Private Industry

examines the increasing vulnerabilities and operational challenges posed by disruptions in the littoral maritime environment—coastal waters, ports, and near-shore zones—and how these disturbances ripple across private sector industries reliant on maritime trade and infrastructure. The discussion explores the complex interdependencies between military, Coast Guard, and commercial actors in managing threats such as physical attacks, cyber intrusions, environmental hazards, and geopolitical tensions that compromise port operations, supply chains, and maritime logistics. The discussion emphasizes risk assessment, resilience strategies, and the development of coordinated response frameworks to mitigate cascading economic and security impacts on American companies critical to national and global maritime commerce.

Forging Maritime Readiness through U.S. Shipbuilding, Supply Chains, and Workforce

examines the national security and maritime challenge limited by industrial shipbuilding capacity, a fractured supplier base, and a shrinking skilled workforce. Drawing lessons from the defense industrial base, the discussion highlights how a methodical, national-scale public-private partnership model, catalyzed locally, can mitigate maritime risk and rebuild American shipbuilding capacity—both defense and merchant. The discussion spotlights three critical constraints on U.S. maritime readiness—shipbuilding and repair capabilities, supplier adequacy, and workforce development.

Harbor Safety and Security Committees - A Case Study

examines maritime and port partnerships, and how they play a critical role in strengthening safety, security, mobility, and environmental protection of a port or waterway. By fostering collaboration among port authorities, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, partnerships serve as a platform for information sharing, coordinated planning, and rapid response to threats. The discussion highlights research and best-in-class practices for integrating security into organizations and charters, improving situational awareness, and leveraging local knowledge to support national maritime security objectives.

Cargo Screening - Balancing Speed & Security

examines the ongoing challenge of maintaining efficient cargo flow while ensuring robust security in maritime, air, and land transportation systems. The discussion explores current screening technologies, risk-based inspection models, and policy frameworks that aim to detect threats without disrupting supply chains. Topic includes the role of data analytics, trusted trader programs, and private-public partnerships in optimizing cargo security operations while minimizing delays and economic impact.

Click Here to submit proposals, they must be sent in no later than November 15th, 2025. Notifications of selections will be made by December 15th. The Institute will review and select 2 submissions for each topic area. Twelve (12) total papers. For each selected submission, the Institute will pay up to $4500 for each final research paper.