Boffins encouraged to create new anti-terror gadgets

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The government is stepping up its fight against terrorism by calling on scientists to come up with innovative technology, including Bond-style gadgets and gizmos.

As part of this drive, the Home Office has launched a three-year counter terrorism science and technology strategy to help identify new threats and encourage the development and sharing of solutions – both in the UK and internationally.

“The UK currently faces a real and serious threat from terrorism and we need to utilise our position as a world leader in science and technology to counter this,” security minister Lord West said in a statement.

“We need to match products and ideas to problems, which is why we are actively inviting people to join us and share expertise. The UK is a leading innovator in the design and provision of defence and security solutions. British technology can have greater practical applications across the world and is just one more tool in our fight against those who would wish to do us harm.”

The tech industry and academia are being urged to do their bit and come forward with ideas and suggestions.

While no additional dedicated funding has been put on the table to help turn some of those ideas from vision to reality, budding inventors are being directed towards existing innovation investment programmes and resources that could help.

“Modern technology has provided terrorists with powerful new tools and techniques,” the document states. “Science and technology are a key part of our response.”

It adds: “Partnership is vital to the success of our counter-terrorism work. We need to make the most of the expertise and knowledge held by industry and academia, and to foster strong, collaborative partnerships.”

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