Dr. Nitin Agarwal has been awarded the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Works by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for his pioneering contributions to social computing and cognitive security.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has honored Dr. Nitin Agarwal with the prestigious 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Works, marking the highest recognition for scholarly achievement at the institution.
This award acknowledges Agarwal’s international leadership in the fields of social computing and cognitive security. Serving as the Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science, Agarwal has significantly enhanced the university’s research profile through his exploration of digital influence and information ecosystems.
Agarwal, originally from India, has a distinguished academic background that mirrors the rigorous training typical of leading researchers within the Indian diaspora. After completing his initial studies in India, he relocated to the United States to pursue advanced degrees, ultimately earning his PhD from Arizona State University. He joined the faculty at UA Little Rock in 2009, exemplifying the impactful contributions of Indian-born scholars to American technological innovation and national security.
As the founding director of the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS), Agarwal has established the center as a crucial resource for examining the dynamics of misinformation across online platforms. His research is especially relevant in today’s digital landscape, where he develops tools to detect adversarial influence campaigns and online scams. These technologies are currently employed by prominent global organizations, including NATO and the World Health Organization.
“Understanding how digital information ecosystems influence society is one of the defining challenges of our time,” Agarwal stated. “I’m fortunate to work alongside talented students and colleagues who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions that strengthen communities.”
In addition to his research contributions, Agarwal’s financial impact on the university has been significant. Over the past five years, he has secured more than $60 million in federal funding, including substantial grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), DARPA, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Nearly $30 million of this funding has directly supported research initiatives at UA Little Rock, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in advanced cybersecurity projects.
Agarwal’s scholarly impact is well-documented, with 12 published books and over 400 articles to his name, which have collectively garnered 26 “best paper” awards. His expertise has also been recognized at the state level, as he was recently nominated to serve on the Arkansas AI task force established by Governor Sarah Sanders.
In addition to Agarwal, several other distinguished faculty members received faculty excellence awards across various categories. Each awardee is granted a $5,000 prize funded through private donations, as selected by the UA Little Rock Board of Visitors.
According to The American Bazaar, Dr. Agarwal’s achievements reflect a commitment to advancing research and education in critical areas of technology and security.