The University of Nebraska is one of 12 universities invited to submit a full proposal for a university-based Department of Homeland Security (DHS) research center related to the economic consequences of terrorism.
Mel Bernstein, DHS director of university programs, made the announcement Monday, citing “keen competition” among the 72 universities that submitted white papers for a DHS Center of Excellence for Risk Analysis and Modeling Related to the Economic Consequences of Terrorism.
The University of Nebraska’s proposal was coordinated by the University Center for Biosecurity, which is located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Advancing to the next level
“We are extremely pleased to advance to the next level of competition for a university-based DHS research center,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “Being one of 12 universities chosen out of 72 further confirms the vast expertise the University of Nebraska can offer our nation in the area of bioterrorism preparedness.”
If successful, the University of Nebraska center would examine the concept that alternative strategies can be developed that minimize the economic impact of terrorist attacks on the transportation and supply distribution infrastructure of the United States.
Program would be at PKI
The program would be housed at the University of Nebraska’s Peter Kiewit Institute, located at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s south campus, under principal investigator Gerald Wagner, Ph.D., distinguished research fellow, UNO’s College of Information Science and Technology at The Peter Kiewit Institute. Dr. Wagner is the director of PKI’s International Academy for Advanced Decision Support (IAADS).
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to apply what we know to a problem that really matters,” Dr. Wagner said. “We expect that combining the best minds in decision support with those in multimedia technology and data visualization will provide the best possible information for decision makers to evaluate alternative solutions and rehearse alternative futures.”
The next step
“We’re excited about this opportunity because it is the next step in a competitive process,” said Steven Hinrichs, M.D., professor, department of pathology/microbiology at UNMC and director of the University of Nebraska Center for Biosecurity and the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory. “It’s important for people to understand that the medical center, and the university at large, are competing for multiple programs at the same time. In this case, we have advanced from the first round of selection to a second round of review. We also recognize that in these programs, and many others at the federal level, are highly competitive with only one or two out of 10 chosen for final funding. Taken together with other recent announcements of funding, it shows we are making good progress.”
DHS advanced the university’s white paper after a peer review by an external panel of specialists from universities, industry and government, and a relevance review by DHS specialists. A white paper, also known as a concept paper, is a general description of how individuals see the future of a given field, as well as the capabilities and national needs related to it.
Congressman Terry responds
“The Department of Homeland Security could choose no better institution than UNMC as its first national Center of Excellence,” said Congressman Lee Terry, who represents the Second District, in which UNMC’s main campus resides. “The University of Nebraska’s dedicated staff are pioneering vital homeland security measures such as high-capacity biochemical diagnostic systems for U.S. soldiers and civilians, enhanced security for critical government computer systems, air travel emergency response improvements, and comprehensive databases of emergency medical personnel to respond in the case of a bioterrorist attack. Today’s announcement should make all Nebraskans proud. The cutting-edge research being conducted at UNMC and its sister campuses is exactly what our nation needs to effectively fight terrorism and protect our homeland.”
Senator Nelson responds
“The University of Nebraska continues to distinguish itself as a leader in homeland security and preparedness,” said U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson. “It is a testament to the vision and talent of the university faculty that they were chosen in this select group. I am confident that all of the public and private partners involved in this project will put together a proposal to rival any in the country. This is a great opportunity for all of Nebraska.”
Senator Hagel responds
“The Department of Homeland Security’s announcement today is encouraging news for the University of Nebraska,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel. “Now, as one of the 12 universities selected to move on to the next step of this competition, the University of Nebraska has an opportunity to expand on its leadership in homeland security. Nebraska can be proud of the work being done at the university.”
Others involved
UNMC’s research plan includes such key assets as: IAADS at The Peter Kiewit Institute’s College of Information Science and Technology; Transportation Safety and Engineering group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha; the State of Nebraska Homeland Security Policy Group; Offutt Air Force Base and STRATCOM; and private sector companies including Union Pacific Railroad, Crete Carrier Corp. and Werner Enterprises.
Full proposals, which outline a program funded at $4 million, are due Oct. 6. DHS expects to announce the first DHS Center of Excellence before the end of November.