This fifth Homeland Security Center of Excellence, formally titled the Center for the Study of High Consequence Event Preparedness and Response, will study deterrence, prevention, preparedness and response, including issues such as risk assessment, decision-making, infrastructure integrity, surge capacity and sensor networks. In particular, it will study interactions of networks and the need to use models and simulations.
"Johns Hopkins University has assembled and will lead a talented and deeply experienced team of professionals from institutions across the country," said Secretary Chertoff. "Together they will help DHS strengthen the nation's ability to prevent and, where necessary, effectively manage high-consequence disasters or terrorist attacks."
"We all hope and pray there will never be another 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina," said Dr. William Brody, President of Johns Hopkins University. "If there is, however, the knowledge developed by this new center will go a long way toward assuring the best possible preparation and the most humane, coordinated effort possible to assist victims and speed recovery."
The Centers of Excellence, overseen by the Office of University Programs within the Homeland Security Science & Technology directorate, establish a network of university-based centers that conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop innovative educational programs. Through this initiative, the Department of Homeland Security and partner universities focus the nation's most talented researchers on homeland security issues.
