Salve Regina's Pell Center partners with U.S. Naval War College to host forum on artificial intelligence, national security

NEWPORT, RI – Salve Regina University partnered with the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) to host the third iteration of the Forum at Newport, a summit on the intersection of emerging global issues and national security. The forum was hosted at Naval Station Newport on Sept. 10.

The Forum at Newport is designed to increase cooperation and scholarship between Salve Regina and NWC, the two higher education institutions located on Aquidneck Island. This year’s Forum focused on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in national security.

The program began a welcome from NWC President, Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between NWC and Salve Regina. Adm. (ret.) Michael S. Rogers, former commander of U.S. Cyber Command, delivered the keynote address.

“It has been inspiring to see the energy with which the military students of the U.S. Naval War College and their counterparts at Salve Regina University tackle the crucially important topics surrounding cyber security in the modern world,” Walker said. “And no one is better qualified to provide insight into these issues than Adm. Rogers, a warfighter with decades of experience at the highest levels. Through events like the Forum at Newport, we are truly educating tomorrow's leaders for competition, crisis and conflict.”

The Forum also featured a panel discussing the implications of AI. Participants included U.S. Navy Capt. (ret.) Dr. Michael O’Hara, dean of NWC’s Center for Naval Warfare Studies, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Dr. Chris Demchak, professor in the NWC’s Cyber and Innovation Policy Institute, Dr. Naomi Saphra, assistant professor of Computing and Data Science at Boston University and Benjamin Cipperly, Navy veteran and chief strategy officer of autonomous surface vessel company HavocAI.

The panel was followed by several smaller group seminars where Forum participants could engage in discussions with one another, and the keynote address that took place in the evening.

The NWC and the Pell Center at Salve Regina plan to continue the Forum at Newport series, bringing together prominent thinkers, policymakers, and leaders for critical dialogue on global issues. The two institutions will co-sponsor distinct summits on a given topic, alternating between venues each year. The next forum will take place on Salve Regina University's campus in 2026.

The Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina is a multidisciplinary research center focused at the intersection of politics, policies and ideas. Dedicated to honoring the late U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell’s legacy, the Pell Center promotes American engagement in the world, effective government at home and civic participation by all Americans.  

Established in 1884, NWC informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop their ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage