TIP: UW-Madison scientists advance homeland security efforts

TO: Editors, News Directors
FROM: University Communications, (608) 262-0930, bsmattmi@wisc.edu
RE: UW–Madison scientists advance homeland security efforts

With the London terror attacks triggering renewed discussion about homeland security, reporters may be interested in a year-old federal project at the University of Wisconsin–Madison that is helping the United States prioritize possible terror targets and develop effective risk-reduction and resource-allocation strategies.

The UW–Madison work is part of a center headquartered at the University of Southern California (USC) and supported by a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Vicki Bier, a professor of industrial engineering and engineering physics, is leading a group investigating the risks and economic implications of terrorism. The work will culminate with recommendations to DHS on what risk-reduction strategies could successfully thwart such an event. Overall, the group’s work will provide insight into related homeland-security issues, such as the allocation of resources among different types of threats.

Ultimately, the biggest value is in helping DHS focus its efforts. “The potential number of terrorist threats is enormous,” says Bier. “But we can’t defend everything. We must pick and choose where our resources are needed most.”

Bier and several UW–Madison scientists are collaborating with researchers at New York University and USC in the national initiative.

Bier is available to talk to reports about this project, which is in the second year of a three-year cycle. She can be reached at (608) 262-2064, bier@ie.engr.wisc.edu