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NATO Announces First Scientific Cooperation Initiative With Algeria

NATO Announces First Scientific Cooperation Initiative With Algeria

For the first time, the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme is supporting a multi-year research project with Algeria. The new activity will develop an innovative detection system to help in the fight against terrorism while engaging key partners in practical cooperation.

Kicked off at NATO Headquarters on 26 October 2017, the new project brings together the Université Savoie Mont Blanc (France), Ecole Militaire Polytechnique (Algeria) and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) to work on the design and development of a terahertz (THz) imaging and detection system. This new system will be able to detect hazardous objects like concealed weapons or explosives and will help to secure vulnerable places from terrorist threats, such as airports, railway stations, critical infrastructure as well as government buildings.

From NATO News.

“THz frequency range is a scientific field that has seen rapid technological advances and growth in interest for its potential application in a number of domains, ranging from security, imaging, detection, and product inspection to chemical spectroscopy, astronomy, telecommunication, material characterisation and medical applications,” said Professor Jean-Louis Coutaz from Université Savoie Mont Blanc, which is leading this research initiative.

The kick-off meeting marked the start of the project which will strengthen ties between NATO, France and two partner countries, Algeria and Sweden, through practical cooperation. By providing cutting-edge technological solutions in support of the fight against terrorism, this SPS project is also contributing to NATO’s wider efforts to project stability beyond Alliance borders. It also represents an important milestone in NATO’s engagement with partners in the south. “By building expert networks, north to south, this activity will help to develop scientific skills and technology to counter emerging threats,” said Professor Fredrik Laurell from Sweden.

Read more at NATO News.