Germany launches new security research programme
The German Government has launched a new, wide ranging security research programme which will hand out EUR 123 million over the next four years. The funding will focus on key security issues such as the protection and rescue of people; preventing the breakdown of supply infrastructures; the protection of transport infrastructures and safeguarding production lines. 'We have to protect ourselves from the dangers presented by terrorism, criminality and natural catastrophes while at the same time strengthening our freedoms and the rule of law. For that we need research,' said German Research Minister Dr Annette Schavan. 'For intelligent security solutions we must link our strengths in the technical and natural sciences with the potential of the social sciences and humanities.' The security research programme will offer a platform where industry, research institutions and universities can work together with the authorities and security services as well as suppliers of energy, transport services, food and healthcare. The government is planning to finance research which will lead to the development of security technologies, for example devices which could aid in the detection of explosives and dangerous substances or the recognition of people. They are also interested in technologies which will support and protect the emergency services as they go about their work. In addition to this, the government is keen to ensure that in the case of a power cut, the supply of other services such as water and telecommunications will not break down. Systems which are able to detect dangerous substances quickly and efficiently will reduce queues for plane passengers and cut down on discriminating controls and restrictions on what items can be taken onto aircrafts. As part of Germany's High-tech Strategy, the new programme should strengthen the country's research and development situation in the security sector in the long term. The first calls for proposals will be published in March this year.
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