This two-day Conference will focus on state-of-the-art science and technology to anticipate, prevent, respond to, and recover from high-consequence chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives and cyber terrorist threats. The conference will also address protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and the harnessing of science and intelligence to reduce threat and risk.

The objectives of this inaugural event are to encourage R&D partnerships among scientists and engineers from government, national laboratories, universities and research institutes, and private sector firms investing in research and development programs and facilities.

Through plenary, technical, and poster sessions, conference participants will:

* learn about DHS awareness, countermeasures and response and recovery goals;
* address the most pressing technical challenges;
* identify the most critical knowledge gaps;
* be introduced to the core capabilities of national and DHS laboratories, and the Department’s university-based homeland security centers; and foster collaborative R&D partnerships to help DHS and the broader homeland security community make the nation safer.

This conference will bring together over 600 research scientists and engineers supporting homeland security research and development.

Background

DHS is committed to science and technology leadership, and the creation of an enduring national capability for homeland security.  Toward this end, the DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate supports and recognizes technical excellence in research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) of homeland security technologies; encourages collaborations and partnerships among RDT&E performers across the homeland security science and technology complex; actively disseminates knowledge generated through the execution of RDT&E programs and university-based homeland security centers; and to the greatest extent practical, enhances visibility and recognition of scientists and engineers dedicated to homeland security missions.