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Science and technology

Science and technology has a central role both in the evolving terrorist threat and in our efforts to counter it.

Modern technology has handed terrorists powerful new tools and techniques, such as rapid global communications, or new explosive materials. Terrorists have been quick to exploit the communications revolution to spread propaganda, raise funds, plan operations recruit and train. Some groups aspire to use chemical, biological, radiological and even nuclear materials to mount more lethal attacks.

Using science to counter the threat 

Our approach to harness science in order to counter the threat from such technically-aware terrorists is described in our 2009 Science and Technology Strategy for Countering International Terrorism.

Resarch and development call 2010-2011 

We are seeking outline research and development proposals against particular broad unclassified chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) research requirements for commissioning projects early in financial year 2010/2011, find our more about the research call for 2010-2011.

Contact us 

We actively seek scientific and technological solutions to terrorist threats. We have set seven key counter-terrorism challenges where we believe science and technology will have an impact, to:

  • understand the causes of radicalisation
  • protect the national infrastructure
  • reduce the vulnerability of crowded places
  • protect against cyber terrorism
  • improve analytical tools
  • identify, detect and counter novel and improvised explosives
  • understand and counter chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats (CBRNE)

If you have an idea or a question about how science and technology can contribute to countering terrorism, email us.

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