The Thomas A. Edison Chair for technology research and teaching at the National Defense University was created in July 2001. The Edison Chair is a member of the Center for Technology and National Security Policy staff. In this capacity, the Chair will lead research efforts, seminars, contribute to course development, present lectures, teach and engage in other activities commensurate with his background and experience. The Chair is currently held by Dr. Timothy Coffey.

The Thomas A. Edison Chair is responsible for the following:

• Conducts directed research and analysis in areas of technology development and acquisition in support of the Secretary of Defense's transformation initiatives;
• Engages in independent and leading edge research and analysis in the area of technology development and transfer in support of the Services transformation goals;
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive knowledge bases, which include historical, technical, scientific, and other data and information, collected on a worldwide basis on technology innovations;
• Improves the quality of research performed at universities to meet Defense needs; provides expanded opportunities for interaction between universities and the Department of Defense research community; and support fellowships and traineeships in science and engineering disciplines important to national research.