Research Project

Science and Technology for Counter-Terrorism

Funded by and coordinated with: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology initiative for Science and Technology for Safety and Security

PUBLIC NEEDS for this program:

Social problem to be solved:

Imbalance in current structures ─ much emphasis on basic research with relatively less effort to design the most appropriate modality for the use of Japan’s S&T in counter-terrorism (CT) efforts

It is essential to conduct vigorous research on how to utilize Japan’s highly advanced technologies for CT, to advance Japan’s competitive edge in the global market and to promote Japan’s leadership and international cooperation.

GOALS:

To collect and analyze information about S&T for CT in Japan and abroad
To analyze Japan’s vulnerability to terrorism through risk assessment, and research measures to improve Japan's CT efforts, including contingency planning and crisis management
To make policy recommendations for the Japanese government to better utilize Japan’s advanced S&T capabilities for CT and to enhance Japan’s competitive edge in this area
To forge a CT network among Japan’s practitioners, researchers and policymakers, as well as between relevant institutions, by mutually sharing information, expertise and knowledge

Planned Activities (FY2009)

To conduct the following activities to achieve goals [1]through [4] :
- Collecting and analyzing information about updates of S&T for CT both in Japan and abroad (i.e. by visiting R&D and deployment facilities)
- Evaluating threats of terrorism and associated risks
- Researching measures to promote innovative R&D and to facilitate effective deployment of new S&T for CT
- Researching appropriate governance structure for R&D of S&T (i.e. dual-use dilemma)
- Participating in relevant international conferences and symposia
- Dispatching Japanese Experts to the events overseas
- Providing policy briefings to relevant government officials and experts
- Holding a series of Seminars on Safety and Security for CT
- Hosting events with overseas organizations and experts
- Promoting international cooperation

Past Activities (FY 2007-08)

We held seminars, expert meetings and international conferences to facilitate information exchange and discussions among various stakeholders and to cultivate a CT network.

These events include the following:

A series of Seminars on S&T for Safe and Secure Society
Expert meeting with the FBI
International conference with International Institute of Security Studies (UK)
Joint seminar with Keio University G-SEC on Biosecurity
Council for Asian Terrorism Research (CATR) Conference
Japan-US Chemical and Biological Collaboration Conference with US Department of Homeland Security
Joint seminar with National Defense Medical College of Japan and Bradford University (UK) on Biosecurity education

Joint seminar with Keio G-SEC on Bio-security

Expert meeting with the FBI