The Science and Technology of Combating Terrorism

Abstract

This report documents the work during 2002 and early 2003 of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Panel on the Science and Technology of Combating Terrorism. Because of the urgency of the nation's efforts to rally scientific, engineering, and technological resources in the war on terrorism, the findings of the Panel have, in large part, already been shared with the appropriate individuals in government throughout this time period, and many of the recommendations are currently being implemented in one form or another. The Panel's recommendations focus on protecting citizen health through the creation of a comprehensive national readiness strategy, helping first responders, helping businesses protect the nation, and improving the technology of personal identification. Importantly, the actions proposed emphasize helping citizens help themselves. The panel members also offer suggestions on cyberterrorism and other matters involving threat detection, assessment, and response. In each instance they attempt to acknowledge the activities that already exist in the private sector (citizen and corporate), and to suggest the appropriate governmental tools that could be applied to achieve the desired objectives in the particular situation addressed. As already noted, in a number of instances the Panel's recommendations are intended to confirm, augment, or refocus efforts that are currently under way or under consideration. The Panel's primary recommendations focus on Protecting Citizen Health and Safety -- A National Readiness Strategy, Public Health Preparedness, Helping First Responders, Helping Business Protect the Nation, Identity Authentication, Cybersecurity, and Detecting Nuclear Weapons.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA459854

Entities

People

  • Bernadine Healy
  • Bobbie Kilberg
  • Charles J. Arntzen
  • E. K. Nwabueze
  • G. W. Clough
  • M. K. Behrens
  • Norman R. Augustine
  • Ralph Gomory
  • Steven G. Papermaster

Organizations

  • Executive Office of the President of the United States

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Authentication
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cybersecurity
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Emergency Response
  • Health Services
  • Homeland Security
  • Medical Personnel
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Materials
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Personnel Management
  • Radiological Weapons
  • Terrorism
  • Therapy
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Cyber