The Informatics Research Institute (IRI) at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette conducts research in data science to unleash the potential of Big Data for the benefit of society in such areas as health, crisis response, community resiliency, and smart and connected community. The Center serves as a driver for optimization across four constituent centers. - Center for Business & Information Technologies - Center for Visual and Decision Informatics - National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies (NIMSAT) Institute - Louisiana Center for Health Innovation - Center for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity University Alignment: - Expand the University’s research and development portfolio and capabilities through contracts and grants - Complements the academic programs and contributing to digital media and software development workforce development through apprenticeship and internships, thesis and project co-direction, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach activities - Support the area’s start-up and entrepreneurs through technology transfer