Center for Security and Emerging Technology

The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) was established in January 2019 at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service, launched with a $55 million founding grant from the Open Philanthropy Project. It was founded by Jason Matheny, a former Assistant Director of National Intelligence and Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), who brought deep government and technical expertise to the organization's mission of bridging the gap between technologists and policymakers. CSET produces data-driven research and analysis on the national security implications of artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies. The center operates with a nonpartisan approach, refraining from policy advocacy while providing rigorous analytical support to decision-makers across government, the military, and the intelligence community. Research topics span AI applications, capability assessment, bio-risk, U.S.-China technology competition, cyberAI, data infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce dynamics. Key programs include the Emerging Technology Observatory, which monitors critical technology developments; the Foundational Research Grants program, which funds external technical researchers studying AI's national security implications; and the CSET Forum, which convenes experts and policymakers. CSET also publishes the policy.ai newsletter and engages Georgetown students as research assistants, training a new generation of technology policy professionals. By 2021, CSET had grown to over 50 full-time staff and raised a second major grant of $42 million from Open Philanthropy, bringing total cumulative funding to more than $100 million through 2025. In 2024, the organization had 62 employees and published 63 analytical outputs. CSET researchers have briefed hundreds of government officials, testified before Congress, and contributed to major policy documents including the Department of Defense's 2020 AI ethical principles. Jason Matheny departed in 2021 to serve in the Biden White House; Dewey Murdick led the center from 2021 until September 2025, when Helen Toner — previously Director of Strategy and Foundational Research Grants, and a 2024 TIME 100 AI honoree — was named Interim Executive Director.