George Mason University has appointed Massimiliano Albanese as executive director of the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA)—a pivotal move as the university strengthens its position as a leader in cutting-edge research and technological advancement.

Albanese, who joined George Mason in 2011, currently serves as a professor and associate chair for research in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology within the College of Engineering and Computing. For over a decade, he has served as associate director of the Center for Secure Information Systems, where he has played a critical role in shaping the university’s research strategy in cybersecurity and information technology.

A recognized expert in cyberattack modeling and detection, optimal defense strategies, and adaptive security technologies, Albanese brings a deep understanding of digital systems to his new role. His research portfolio includes participation in projects totaling $13 million, six U.S. patents, two books, and 90 peer-reviewed publications. He is a recipient of George Mason’s Emerging Researcher/Scholar/Creator Award and earned his MS and PhD in computer science and engineering from the University of Naples Federico II, Italy.

“Dr. Albanese is an outstanding leader and researcher who understands the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving progress,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “His depth of expertise in cybersecurity and digital systems, combined with his proven ability to foster interdisciplinary partnerships, makes him uniquely suited for this role. Under his leadership, we look forward to strengthening IDIA’s mission of advancing digital innovation, expanding cross-disciplinary collaboration across the university, and positioning George Mason as a national leader in solving complex technological challenges.”

Albanese steps into this role at a crucial moment for both George Mason and the technology landscape—particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. His mission is clear: to drive impact through collaboration and to position George Mason at the forefront of digital innovation.

“This is a very interesting time to be in this position,” Albanese said. “By connecting digital innovation with AI and other emerging technologies, we can make a real difference—not just at George Mason, but for the nation and the world.”

AI’s rapid advancement offers tremendous opportunities as well as complex challenges, he said.

Albanese’s vision for IDIA centers on building a culture of collaboration that unites faculty, students, researchers, and external stakeholders. He said he plans to start by strengthening partnerships with the university’s other research centers and institutes.

The university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) provides opportunities to apply digital innovation to critical sectors.

“None of these solutions can be achieved without a collaborative mindset because they are inherently complex and multidisciplinary. We are at a point in time of rapid AI growth that is changing the way we approach everything: AI and digital innovation will play a critical role in advancing GCI.”

Another priority for Albanese is diversifying IDIA’s funding sources in response to tighter federal budgets. He said he intends to strengthen existing partnerships with industry and nonprofits, and develop new public-private collaborations to ensure the institute remains resilient and impactful. He notes that as funding becomes more challenging to secure, the university must become more efficient. And one way to do that is for “IDIA to work closely with other institutes and research centers on campus to increase awareness of who is doing what and join forces to have a better impact.”

Albanese sees IDIA as a critical driver in elevating George Mason’s reputation as a leading public research university. His strategy includes promoting technology transfer, supporting start-ups, and creating stronger connections between faculty and industry partners to bring innovations from the lab to the marketplace.

“There is a lot of competition to attract students and resources, and we must establish ourselves as the lead,” he said. “IDIA can help put George Mason at the forefront of research by leveraging our strengths and bringing talented people together to solve big problems.”

Looking ahead, Albanese encourages students and researchers to adopt a problem-driven approach to innovation and become problem solvers. “We should reach out to stakeholders with real-world challenges and develop solutions that truly address those needs.”

By fostering collaboration, driving interdisciplinary research, and forging strong partnerships with industry and government, Albanese aims to position IDIA—and the university—as a national leader in solving complex, real-world problems through technology.