US Department of Homeland Security Selects Stevens Institute of Technology to Lead National Research Effort in Port Security

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the selection of Stevens Institute of Technology as one of 11 universities to serve as important partners for conducting multi-disciplinary research and creating innovative learning environments for critical homeland security missions. These universities will partner to lead one of five new Centers of Excellence and each will receive a multi-year grant of up to $2 million per year, over a period of four to six years.

Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken , N.J, and The University of Hawaii in Honolulu , Hawaii , will co-lead a new Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island and Port Security, responsible for conducting research and developing new ways to strengthen maritime domain awareness and safeguard populations and properties unique to US islands, and remote and extreme environments. Stevens will lead research and education in port security and the University of Hawaii will lead research and education for maritime and island security.

This recognition is the result of a highly selective national competition among research universities. Stevens' long history of maritime engineering and pre-eminence in the realm of port and harbor security will guarantee for years to come a steady flow of technology advances of national significance as part of the DHS program.

"We look forward to initiating a range of leading-edge research projects to address the complex security issues facing our nation's ports and Marine Transportation System (MTS),"said Dr. Michael Bruno, Dean of the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science. "Together with our partners, we will break new ground in the integrated use of multi-scale sensors and computer simulation and forecasting models to equip our port security and first-responder communities with the technologies and processes needed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the MTS, which is responsible for the vast majority of the nation's international commerce. True to the Stevens tradition, we will weave these research activities into our education and professional training programs, to ensure that our students are equipped to contribute immediately to the solutions to these very complex problems."

"Investments in long-term, basic research are vital for the future of homeland security,"said Jay M. Cohen, Under Secretary for Science and Technology. "These colleges and universities are leaders in their fields of study. They will provide scientific expertise, high-quality resources, and independent thought - all valuable to securing America ."