Collection

The goal of collections research is to dramatically improve the value of collected data from all sources by developing new sensor and transmission technologies, new collection techniques that more precisely target desired information, and means for collecting information from previously inaccessible sources. In addition, IARPA pursues new mechanisms for combining information gathered from multiple sources to enhance the quality, reliability, and utility of collected information.

Areas of interest include:

• Innovative methods or tools for identifying and/or creating novel sources of new information
• Sensor technologies that dramatically improve the reach, sensitivity, size, weight, and power for collection of broad signal or signature types
• Methods for combining different measures and/or sensors to improve performance and accuracy of systems
• Approaches for assessing and quantifying the ecological-validity of behavioral, neuro- and social science research
• Secure communication to and from collection points
• Innovative approaches to gain access to denied environments
• Tagging, tracking, and location techniques
• Electrically small antennas and other advanced radio frequency (RF) concepts
• Agile architectures that intelligently distill useful information at the point of collection
• Innovative means and methods to ensure the veracity of data collected from a variety of sources
• Automated methods for sensor data fusion without predefined interface descriptions
• Approaches to enable signal collection systems to conduct more effective targeted information acquisition rather than bulk collection
• Tools to identify and mask signal streams and records that contain personal information to avoid unauthorized collection and dissemination.