Center Projects
“Science, Technology, and Security: Knowledge for the Post-9/11 World”
Security has assumed a much greater importance in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. Scientific and technological knowledge and understanding are essential to enhance national security. Effective science and technology-based security policies depend critically upon assessing what knowledge is available, what knowledge is needed, and how decision makers might put that knowledge to effective use. The University of Colorado's four campuses have strong departments in science, engineering, and technology. In addition, the Front Range is home to several national laboratories, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, other major research universities, and the Air Force Academy.
The Center for Science and Technology Policy Research is sponsoring a symposium on October 10 and 11, 2002 entitled “Science, Technology, and Security: Knowledge for the Post-9/11 World.” This symposium seeks to foster new connections and dialogue among the wealth of local experts on how better to integrate scientific and technological research with decision making on issues ranging from computer security to bioterrorism. This symposium will bring together experts in the physical, natural, and social sciences to identify what we know, how to better use (and limit the misuse of) what we know, what we need to learn, and discuss issues and obstacles associated with each. The symposium will include working groups on topics such as bioterrorism, computer security, energy security, and critical infrastructure. The overriding objective is to make new and lasting connections among experts from the four CU campuses, NCAR, NOAA, NREL, NIST, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, and the U.S Air Force Academy, as well as local and national security decision makers and experts. The Symposium is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the University of Colorado System, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies, and Colorado State University's Rocky Mountain Institute for Biosecurity Research. For more information see the symposium website.