As an independent consultant who has held positions at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the University of Michigan, and GW’s Cyber Security & Privacy Research Institute (CSPRI), Carl Landwehr has redefined cybersecurity research and shaped national research programs. Today, his profound impact has earned him one of the highest honors in the computing research field: the Computing Research Association’s (CRA) 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
CRA unites leaders from academia, industry, and government to advance computing research and education in the U.S. It honors those whose service has played a key role in this mission through the annual Distinguished Service Award. With a history of recognizing trailblazers in the field, this award places Landwehr among an elite group.
“Few things in life are as satisfying as recognition of one’s accomplishments by one’s peers. This award, coming from an organization that represents computer science departments throughout the country, means a great deal to me. I’m also honored to be placed on the same list as the many prior distinguished recipients of this award, several of whom I’ve had the privilege to work for or with,” said Landwehr.
From his early work at NRL to recent teaching efforts, Landwehr’s impact spans generations and sectors. He reflects that his career has had distinct phases, beginning as a researcher and manager of small groups, where he championed high assurance technologies and published studies that defined the cybersecurity field. He continued to shape the national cybersecurity research strategy through roles funding research and directing programs at NSF and IARPA.
“Many GW researchers have and will continue to take advantage of NSF’s Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program, which Carl pioneered as a research platform for scholars across the nation,” said CSPRI director Costis Toregas.
Now, in the third phase, Landwehr focuses on sharing his expertise as a consultant and educator. In 2012, he joined CSPRI as Lead Research Scientist, helping grow GW’s cybersecurity community and cultivate ideas that would evolve into his “Cybersecurity for Future Presidents” course. His engagement at CSPRI reflected a broader commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.
“Carl brought a deep understanding of the research potential behind cybersecurity concerns, but also a strong conviction that the alarm should be sounded at the highest levels of enterprises,” said Toregas. “Long discussions with myself and my predecessor, CSPRI director Professor Lance Hoffman, matured the ideas behind his popular and well-celebrated 'Cybersecurity for Future Presidents' course, which was, in my mind, one of the pinnacles of his achievement.”
Landwehr’s legacy continues to shape research, policy, and education both at GW and across the national cybersecurity landscape, an impact underscored by the CRA Distinguished Service Award.