SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. — Cyber Innovation Center and LSU Health Shreveport have formed a partnership to expand computing and data security capabilities supporting medical research and disaster preparedness efforts in Louisiana.
Under the partnership, the Cyber Innovation Center will provide data center space for a portion of LSU Health Shreveport’s high-performance computing infrastructure. The arrangement is intended to increase the health sciences center’s data analytics and research capacity while providing additional security for research data.
The partnership comes as LSU Health Shreveport participates in the National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program, a federally directed initiative focused on strengthening the country’s response to large-scale disasters, public health emergencies and other events that could create significant demand for medical services. LSU Health Shreveport is one of eight sites nationwide selected for the program.
“This new partnership will strengthen bonds within the local community by supporting LSUHS’s cutting-edge medical research,” Cyber Innovation Center President Kevin Nolten said. “It fully aligns with our focus on national security, cybersecurity and regional economic development while proving groundbreaking innovations for our nation can be achieved right here in Shreveport-Bossier.”
LSU Health Shreveport officials said increased research security requirements and attempts to breach data systems contributed to the decision to partner with the Cyber Innovation Center.
“LSUHS is grateful to have access to the highest level of data security through a partnership with the CIC. When considering the increasingly rigorous standards for research security and the frequency of breech attempts, it was imperative to identify a timely and cost-effective solution,” said Lester Johnson, senior vice chancellor for LSU Health Shreveport.
The National Disaster Medical System pilot is led by the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health. The program is intended to strengthen coordination between military and civilian health care systems, evaluate existing capabilities and develop plans for rapidly expanding medical capacity during major emergencies.
LSU Health Shreveport officials said the Cyber Innovation Center’s data security expertise could also help researchers pursue grants requiring heightened security measures.
“The partnership between LSUHS and CIC will allow LSUHS clinical and basic science researchers access to CIC’s unique expertise in data security while simultaneously expanding opportunities to pursue research grants that require heightened security measures to assure data integrity for the implementation of advanced analytic strategies,” said John Vanchiere, senior associate dean for clinical research.
Vanchiere said the collaboration also will support LSU Health Shreveport’s responsibilities as a National Disaster Medical System pilot site and its broader biomedical research activities.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also praised the collaboration, citing its potential to support medical research, national security and the regional economy.
Cyber Innovation Center is a Bossier City-based nonprofit located at the National Cyber Research Park. Its work includes cybersecurity, technology research and development, and workforce initiatives involving government, industry and academic partners.
LSU Health Shreveport is part of the Louisiana State University System and includes schools of medicine, graduate studies, and health professions and sciences, along with graduate medical education and research programs.