German government boosts security research

The German Government is to invest ?29 million in research projects dedicated to the quick and safe detection of toxic and explosive substances.

Within 16 projects that were launched on 21 January, 73 partners will seek to develop new, more flexible detection systems for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive
hazardous materials, with a focus on finding the threat quickly and reliably.

The following projects will be supported by the programme:
– AquaBioTox – broadband sensor for the monitoring of drinking water;
– ATLAS – procedure for the fast detection of animal epidemics;
– BiGrudi – risk assessment, ultra-fast detection and identification of bioterrorist agents;
– ChipFlussPCR – detection system for biological hazardous materials;
– ChipSenSiTek – gas sensor system for the detection of explosives;
– DACHS – detector array for the detection of toxic substances;
– EXAKT – identification of air-borne chemical and explosive materials;
– HANDHELD – portable equipment for the detection of hazardous materials in airports;
– IRLDEX – detection procedure for explosives;
– Pathosafe – spectrometer for biological hazardous materials;
– Safe Inside – procedure for the detection of hazardous materials in hollow spaces;
– TEKZAS – camera for the detection of hidden and dangerous objects;
– TeraCam – active, real-time detector system;
– TeraTom – high resolution terahertz tomography for security applications;
– THEBEN – ethical evaluation of and development of standards for terahertz technology;
– THz-Videocam – passive video camera for the detection of metallic and ceramic objects and chemical substances.

‘In order for dangerous substances not to spread and endanger man as well as the environment, science and economy will now do research together with the security forces and rescue experts. That
way, the new solutions will be found more quickly and meet the needs of practice from the first. This is the clear aim of this national programme for civil security research, which will enhance
security for the population,’ comments Thomas Rachel, Parliamentary Secretary of State at the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

For further information, please visit:
https://www.bmbf.de/