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 Nebraskas proposal was coordinated by the University
Center for Biosecurity, which is located at the University of Nebraska
Medical Center.
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. The program would be housed at the
University of Nebraskas Peter Kiewit Institute, located at the University
of Nebraska at Omahas south campus, under principal investigator Gerald
Wagner, Ph.D., distinguished research fellow, UNOs College of Information
Science and Technology at The Peter Kiewit Institute. Dr. Wagner is the
director of PKIs 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.
Were 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. Its
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 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 universitys 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.
“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 UNMCs 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.”
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.
“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.”
UNMCs research plan includes such key assets as: IAADS at The Peter
Kiewit Institutes 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.