The BMT Centre for Homeland Security announced a new consortium to tackle security threats, at the Counter Terror World Conference on Tuesday, day one, December 5, of the two-day show.
The consortium comprises of academics, engineers and consultants from a range of disciplines, to bring together a spectrum of expertise to solve current security problems, according to BMT.
CCD Design and Ergonomics Ltd, Optimal Performance and Cambridge Consultants Ltd represent commercial expertise, while the Applied Vision Research Centre, Loughborough University, and the Centre for Numerical Modelling and Process Analysis, University of Greenwich are from academia.
What they say
Stephen Leece, Director of the BMT Centre for Homeland Security said: โThe security threats the UK faces are manifold and as yet there is no one group that can provide the range of expertise necessary to provide a 360 degree solution. With this consortium we are bringing together conventional consulting with human factors and technology optimisation. The outcome is pragmatic operational research, underpinned by extensive knowledge of the security domain. Our multi-disciplinary approach is the key to meeting [Home Secretary] John Reidโs challenge of decreasing the security threat, through a joint venture between specialist organisations and academia. Here at the BMT Centre for Homeland Security, we are spearheading a new approach to security threats.โ
Prof Ed Galea, co-director of the Centre for Numerical Modelling and Process Analysis at the University of Greenwich said: โThis consortium strengthens links between industry and academia, combining different but complimentary disciplines with a pragmatic approach to solving significant security problems. The consortium provides a vehicle to bring university expertise into an operational focus โ where real benefits will be seen for the public, government and commerce.โ
Managing Director of CCD Design and Ergonomics, John Wood, said: โThis consortium provides a range of expertise in the security sector, never before brought together under one banner. Itโs an incredibly important step forward as diverse interests are now working toward a common goal and that goal โ of a decreased threat in the security climate โ will be achieved all the faster for it.โ
Andrew McClumpha, Director Transportation Security of BMT Sigma gave a presentation on human factors in aviation and maritime security at the conference. The BMT Centre for Homeland Security functions as a business unit of BMT Sigma Ltd, based in Bath.
