Up to £2 million is to be made available to unlock
innovation and fast track new technology to combat the next
generation of terrorist threat.
The UK is already renowned for its world-leading academics,
researchers, engineers and technology developers, but today the
Government is urging these talented individuals to come together
and further support our work to keep the public safe.
In his speech Security Minister is expected to say:
“Society must come together to defeat terrorism which is why I am
delighted to see representatives here from businesses from across
the country who take seriously the need to protect the public.
“In light of the horrific attacks in London and Manchester, the
Government has committed to review its counter-terror strategy
and further to this I am announcing today that we are making up
to £2 million available to fund research into cutting edge
technology and behavioural science projects designed to keep
people safe in crowds.
“The threat from terror does not stand still so neither will we,
which is why we are calling on the best and the brightest from
the science and technology sector to come forward with their
ideas and proposals to support our ongoing work to keep people
safe.”
The competition is
being run in a partnership between the Home
Office and Defence and Security
Accelerator with support from the Royal Society. The
competition is seeking research proposals from the country’s
brightest talents for innovative or novel ideas to reduce the
threat from terrorist attacks using weapons or explosives.
This competition forms
part of the science and technology programme within the
Government’s current counter-terrorism strategy.
Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, Lucy Mason, said:
“The terrible terrorist attacks in London and Manchester shocked
and appalled all of us. Protecting people from terrorism is
something we can all do, industry and academics and public
servants.
“We don’t have all the answers. So we must bring together the
brightest minds from the private sector, and academia to help
find solutions to help keep our country and people safe and
secure.
“The Defence and Security Accelerator exists to help government
find and exploit game-changing ideas to help the security
services and police stay one step ahead of those who threaten our
safety. By funding and fast tracking the development of real
solutions, we help to bring the innovation community together,
rapidly.
“So today I reach out to our innovation community to be part of
something bigger and show their support for their country. I’d
encourage anyone who feels they have a great idea that can help
keep our crowded areas safe to visit our website for more
information on this competition.”
Vice-President of the Royal Society, Professor Alex Halliday,
said:
“Research and innovation are key to improving lives in so many
ways. That includes finding new ways to fight terrorist threats.
“I am sure the ingenuity of the UK’s innovators will deliver new
technologies that will help make us all safer.”
