USC Information Sciences Institute

ABOUT ISI The Information Sciences Institute (ISI) is a world leader in research and development of advanced information processing, computer and communications technologies. A unit of the University of Southern California’s highly ranked Viterbi School of Engineering, ISI is one of the nation’s largest, most successful university-affiliated computer research institutes. The Institute attracts over $100 million annually for basic and applied research from federal agencies and the private sector. Our work ranges from theoretical basic research, such as core engineering and computer science discovery, to applied research and development, such as design and modeling of innovative prototypes and devices. Depth, Breadth, Dynamism ISI’s focus: artificial intelligence, including natural language, machine translation and information integration; networking and cybersecurity, such as the highly regarded DETER cybersecurity research program; informatics focused on medical applications; computational systems and technology, including supercomputing approaches and quantum computation; and advanced electronics for space, biomimetics, and other purposes. We also research space systems and technology, and partner with the USC Viterbi School on the Space Engineering Research Center, a hands-on effort that enables students to participate at every stage of space research, development and flight. Our MOSIS integrated circuit unit drives innovation through its shared-services model, and has brokered fabrication of more than 50,000 integrated circuits for customers worldwide. Distinguished Past, Innovative Present A pacesetter for more than 45 years, ISI helped conceive, design and implement the Internet, including communications protocols that remain fundamental to Net operations. We also invented and developed the Domain Name System (DNS), the text-to-numerical-IP-address system that is essential to Internet functionality. And we managed significant Internet functions, including the Request for Comments that catalyzed and captured the emerging network, for decades. The Institute employs about 350 engineers, research scientists, graduate students and staff. About half of our researchers hold Ph.D.s, and about 40 serve as USC faculty. ISI's Michael Keston Executive Director, Prem Natarajan, is currently on leave. In his absence the Institute is led by Executive Director and Research Professor Craig Knoblock. ISI is based in Marina del Rey, California, maintains offices in Arlington, Virginia and Waltham, Massachusetts.