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Virginia Creates Institute for Defense and Homeland Security
With nearly $1 billion in federal R&D funding proposed for the new Department of Homeland Security, many states, universities and companies are exploring ways to be actively involved as R&D partners. Already home to several military and intelligence research activities, with proximity to Washington, D.C. in its favor, Virginia recently announced an effort to further strengthen its competitive position in the funding race.
Last Friday, Governor Mark R. Warner announced the creation of the Virginia Institute for Defense and Homeland Security (IDHS), a university and industry research consortium dedicated to delivering solutions to support U.S. homeland security and defense objectives. More than 20 companies have already signed on as founding members to work with the 12 Virginia universities in the consortium.
The Virginia IDHS will conduct research, education and technology transfer at member institutions and firms with an emphasis in the fields of telecommunications, biodefense, sensor systems and risk management. Additionally, industry consortium members will commercialize technology and develop solutions that support rapid deployment.
Plans for the Virginia IDHS were developed in September 2002 by the Virginia Research & Technology Advisory Commission, a 29-member panel established to advise the Governor on research and technology strategies for the Commonwealth and make policy recommendations to enhance the global competitive advantage of research institutions and technology-based commercial endeavors.
An Executive Steering Committee representing academia, industry and federal and state government will formally establish the consortium's vision and policies. Funding for the institute will come from the federal government, participating universities, industry partners and Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). The Virginia IDHS will initially reside at CIT’s headquarters in Herndon. More information will be available in the coming weeks at: http://www.cit.org