Posted: August 26, 2009

Converging technologies for 21st century security

(Nanowerk News) Organised crime, terrorism, civil conflict, and natural disasters are sadly commonplace in global society and have developed increasingly complex dimensions. To counter such threats, civil security and emergency response teams are looking towards new technologies that offer more sensitive, rapid, and accurate detection methods; that provide the means to neutralise or effectively deal with the outcomes of such incidents; and that provide greater protection to personnel.
The Institute of Nanotechnology (IoN), through its role in the EU-funded observatoryNANO project, is investigating the role that nanotechnology and other technologies can play in addressing such complex security issues. The conference on "Converging Technologies for 21st Century Security" on November 25, 2009 in London brings experts from across the world to present their latest R&D in: detection of hazardous materials; responding to crisis events; protection measures for personnel and infrastructure; identification of personnel and goods.
This IoN conference is targeted towards governmental agencies, industrial groups, and technology start-ups with a keen interest in addressing security challenges.
Confirmed speakers include:

Simon Aldridge, University of Oxford, UK:

'Chemical Sensors for Chemical Warfare Agents'

Dr Mikhail Mayorov, International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria:

'Radiological and Nuclear Weapons Detection'

Anja Boisen, Danish Technical University, Denmark:

'The Xsense Project – a Strategic Research Network on Explosives'

Dr. O. Shenderova, International Technology Centre, USA:

'Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Using NanoComposites'

Fred Rowell, ROAR Particles plc, Nanyang Technological University, UK:

'Nanoparticles for Forensic and Security Applications'

Professor Russell Cowburn, Imperial College, London, UK:

'Polymer Nanostructured Materials for Recording Biometric Features'

Source: Institute of Nanotechnology