The third annual Science and Technology for Homeland Security and Resilience conference runs on 12 and 13 June at RUSI, 61 Whitehall.
According to institute organisers, the UK continues to face a range of challenging and uncertain threats to its security, from terrorism designed to cause maximum shock and disruption to natural emergencies which can strike at any time. To maintain and enhance a secure and resilient nation, technology plays a necessary, yet not isolated role. Increasingly technological solutions are being sought to enhance the security of the nation, yet for Industry providing those solutions, the market space is one which is highly fragmented and complex, which proves difficult to operate in. Government and industry Research and Development investment in science and technology needs to be targeted to ensure that effective and cost-effective capabilities are provided to the Homeland Security space. Government have welcomed moves from the private sector to establish innovation groups who can advise them on technological solutions for key security requirements, illustrating the first steps towards a closer engagement between public and private sectors for technology provision.
Organisers say that the conference will provide attenders with a broad understanding of the market. From this base the conference will explore the key opportunities that are being formed both at home and abroad in the Homeland security space, specifically looking to 2012 and mass event security. Looking to the future what areas of innovation in science and technology are providing potential solutions?
Placing technology within the wider context of its role within society is also pivotal to this topic. Are the public being increasingly monitored in the name of ‘security’? Does the incremental application of technology to the problem necessarily create an atmosphere of ‘security’ or does it create increased fear and paranoia? Technology provides a key tool in the reaction and response to crises, but does it sufficiently mitigate the effects of a crisis?
Confirmed speakers include:
Professor Paul Wiles, Chief Scientific Advisor, Home Office
Dr. James DeCorpo, Head of Eurasia Office, Department of Homeland Security, US
Ian Neill, Deputy Director E – Borders, Home Office
Rafi Sela, Security and Defence Consultant, Expert Business Development Services, Israel
Charles Goslin, Vice President, Duos Technologies International Inc
Dr David Wood, Editor and co-Author of ‘A Report on the Surveilance Society’ for the Information Commisioner
Margaret Gilmore, Former Home and Legal Affairs Correspondant, BBC, and Associate Fellow, RUSI
Frank Rozelaar, Technical Director, QinetiQ
John McGowan, Client Director, Steria
Dr. Alasdair Rose, Programme Manager, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Dr. Yair Sharan, Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Technological Analysis and Forecasting, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Dr Peter Ryan, Head of Homeland and Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, Hyder Consulting
Rod Schmitke, Councellor Defence R & D, Canadian High Commision
Phil Hodgins, International Trade Adviser Security, UK Trade & Investment
Martin Darkins, Business Development Manager, Autonomous Systems and Future Capability, BAE
Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director, Smiths Detection & Chairman, RISC Council
For further information and sponsorship opportunities ring Tobias Feakin on 0207 747 2631 email: [email protected]
