October 2005
New technologies in the fight against terrorism
As the threat of global terrorism continues to grow, the UK will become more reliant on new research and technology to help combat terrorism more effectively. A special briefing being held at the Institute of Physics today (10th October 2005) will look at how the Home Office is using physics-based technologies to increase security in the UK, and what this threat means for the future of R&D in the UK.
Security and counter-terrorism technology
Alan Pratt, Director of the Home Office Scientific Development Branch will examine the science and technology underpinning the UK's efforts at combating crime and terrorism.
"Homeland Security" covers a huge range of activities co-ordinated across government. Alan Pratt will reveal how the UK is increasing security, ranging from protective physical security to explosives detection and border control; and how the Home Office works in partnership with other government departments, academia and particularly industry to meet operational needs.
Global terrorism and its effects on R&D
Sir John Chisholm, the Executive Chairman of QinetiQ, will say that the capability of a nation to combat terrorism depends critically on the continual research, development and deployment of new technologies to protect its citizens.
Sir John will look at the ways in which the UK currently protects against serious dangers and say that the UK needs to change the nature of homeland security in order to keep pace with the changing nature of these threats � recent trends include an increase in suicide bombs and cyber crime. According to Sir John, the UK's ability to prevent terrorist actions depends upon technology; using it to detect patterns and spot anomalies in sufficient time to allow intervention.
He will also discuss what security measures the UK will need in the future such as biometrics for identity authentication, screening for explosives and weaponry, geospatial tracking, and financial tracking (and related investigative techniques).
Notes to editors: For further information or interviews contact: David Reid, senior press officer, Institute of Physics, Tel: 0044 (0)20 7470 4815, Mobile: 07946 321473, E-mail: [email protected].
Key Insight Business Briefing
This briefing will take place at the Institute of Physics on 10 October 2005 from 5pm and will be followed by a drinks reception. Journalists are welcome to attend all or part of the event. Places are strictly limited so please contact David Reid in advance. Timetable for the evening below:
Key Insight Business Briefing (10 October 2005)
Homeland Security and Defence R&D in the UK
17:00 Introduction from the Chair, Professor Sir Gareth Roberts
(Chairman of the Key Insight Business Briefings series)
17:05 Homeland Security � The evolving effects on research & development
Sir John Chisholm (Executive Chairman, QinetiQ Group plc)
17:35 Homeland Security, Defence R&D and the Home Office
Mr Alan Pratt (Home Office)
18:05 Break for drinks & networking
18:30 Open forum for debate & discussion under Chatham House Rules
Led by Peter Saraga (Vice-Chairman of the Key Insight Business Briefings series)
The speakers will be joined on the panel by Professor Sir Keith O'Nions (Department of Trade & Industry).
The Institute of Physics is a leading international professional body and learned society with over 37,000 members, which promotes the advancement and dissemination of a knowledge of and education in the science of physics, pure and applied. It has a world-wide membership and is a major international player in: - scientific publishing and electronic dissemination of physics;
- setting professional standards for physicists and awarding professional qualifications;
- promoting physics through scientific conferences, education and science policy advice.
The Institute is a member of the Science Council, and a nominated body of the Engineering Council. The Institute works in collaboration with national physical societies and plays an important role in transnational societies such as the European Physical Society and represents British and Irish physicists in international organisations. In Great Britain and Ireland the Institute is active in providing support for physicists in all professions and careers, encouraging physics research and its applications, providing support for physics in schools, colleges and universities, influencing government and informing public debate.