Clark Atlanta University and Augusta University have forged a partnership between the CAU Department of Cyber-Physical Systems and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University.

The partnership was announced Dec. 3 at Comcast-NBC Universal’s tech accelerator, the Farm in Atlanta.

“Clark Atlanta University is excited about the possibilities of this unique partnership with Augusta University,” said CAU President George T. French Jr., PhD. “Together we will drive the diversity of ideas, talents and opportunities that will ensure a successful and more inclusive ecosystem for innovation.”

The partnership between the two institutions forms a framework for collaboration in training, research and other educational endeavors in the areas of cybersecurity and cyber-physical systems.

Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Clark Atlanta University is the only private historically black institution of higher learning with a Department of Cyber-Physical Systems, with plans underway to launch a Global CPS Emerging Center of Excellence.

“The growth of our degree programs and research in computer science and cybersecurity at Augusta University is effectively complemented by Clark Atlanta’s innovative focus on cyber-physical systems,” said Dr. Alex Schwarzmann, dean at the Augusta University School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “The new partnership will promote cooperative research on making complex cyber-physical systems efficient, reliable and secure. Both universities also aim to increase the participation of undergraduates in research, and together we have already made steps in this direction.”

Georgia is fast becoming a hotspot for the internet of things and CPS, which are transforming everything we do via smart networked systems designed to sense and interact with the physical world. Georgia also serves as one of America’s elite cybersecurity hubs, ranking No. 3 in the nation and generating over $4.7 billion in revenue every year.

“Security is vital in cyber-physical systems, given its role in critical infrastructure, government and everyday life,” said Roy George, PhD, chair of the Department of Cyber-Physical Systems at Clark Atlanta University. “Our partnership will enable both institutions to lead and innovate in the field.”