Can science secure our skies?

This event has been postponed. We apologise for any inconvenience. Please keep checking the website for the new date.

Airport security is hotting up. Earlier this year staff at Heathrow Airport ran a biometrics trial to see if new technology could speed up security checks while keeping passengers safe. In return for fingerprints, an iris scan and a photo for facial recognition, volunteers received an ID card that let them fast-track through passport control. But is this the face of our future?

Already, body scanners can see through clothes to detect weapons that terrorists might be hiding. And baggage scanners will soon be able to see in 3D and automatically pick out any illegal items people might have stashed away.

But can new technology protect us as we travel? Does it really work? From facial recognition and fingerprinting to cutting-edge scanning technologies, come and hear about the latest kit that’s finding its way into an airport near you.

A biometrics expert for over 20 years, Clive Reedman will be talking about the latest biometric systems making it into our airports. He’ll also be bringing in facial recognition, iris scanning and fingerprinting kit for you to try out for yourself.

Angela Sasse, Professor of Human-Centred Technology at University College London, will examine how people and technology interact. Referring to recent airport studies, she will be discussing how effective these security measures are when used on people in the real world. Could they ever be accurate enough to be useful?

Tas Munshi and Andrew Burnett are working on a government-funded project to develop new technology for detecting drugs and explosives. They will be explaining how the different bits of technology work and will be showing film of some of it in action. Could it really make our airports more secure in the future? Come and find out for yourself.

Event organised by:
The Science Museum

Speakers

Clive Reedman, Managing Director, Identity Solutions
Angela Sasse, Professor of Human-Centred Technology, University College London
Tas Munshi, Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation, University of Bradford
Andrew Burnett, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds

Facilitator:
David Browne, travel journalist