We are proud to share that Prof. Nitin Agarwal, Founding Director of the COSMOS Research Center, Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair, and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has been named the recipient of the 2026 UALR Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Works.
This prestigious recognition highlights Prof. Agarwal’s exceptional research leadership and sustained contributions to social computing, artificial intelligence, cognitive security, and online behavioral analysis. Since joining UA Little Rock in 2009, he has built an internationally recognized interdisciplinary research program examining how information spreads across online networks and how digital influence campaigns shape public perception.
Through COSMOS, Prof. Agarwal has advanced pioneering research on modern information platforms, digital influence operations, social cyber forensics, and AI-enabled approaches for understanding complex online behaviors. His work has supported the development of analytical frameworks and tools for detecting, modeling, and mitigating adversarial influence campaigns, online scams, and emerging cognitive threats.
Over the past five years, Prof. Agarwal has secured more than $60 million in federal funding, including support from the National Science Foundation, DARPA, and the U.S. Department of Defense, with nearly $30 million directly supporting UA Little Rock research initiatives. His collaborations span more than 200 researchers across 130 academic, government, and industry organizations worldwide. His scholarly contributions include 12 books, more than 400 articles in top-tier journals and conferences, and 26 best paper awards.
Reflecting on the honor, Prof. Agarwal stated, “I am deeply honored to receive the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors. I extend my sincere gratitude to the university leadership, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Visitors, and the award sponsors for this meaningful recognition.”
He added, “This recognition is both motivating and reaffirming, strengthening my commitment to advancing meaningful work aligned with our shared mission. I am profoundly grateful to my mentors, as well as the current and former students and staff at COSMOS at UALR, whose dedication and support have been instrumental.”
Prof. Agarwal received this university-level recognition for the third time (i.e., 2015, 2021, 2026). This achievement underscores his continued leadership in advancing impactful interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, social computing, and cognitive security.