Biometrics gets challenged

What is the next big idea in the field of biometrics? Harry Helmich, assistant vice president and division manager at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), of Mclean, VA, is asking that very question.

SAIC has teamed up with the University of Kent's UK Biometrics Institute in England to sponsor the first ever Biometric Grand Challenge.

"It was really the brainchild of SAIC and the University," Helmich told GSN: Government Security News. "We wanted to foster and mentor students to develop new and novel ideas in the field of biometrics."

The Challenge, which is being supported by a $50,000 award from SAIC to the University, is designed to foster bold and innovative biometric ideas, and seeks to uncover potentially influential concepts in biometrics from up-and-coming UK researchers currently working toward their doctorate degrees in the field.

"We are really looking out to develop and identify new ideas, as well as work with the next generation of scientists to develop new and novel ideas," Helmich told GSN.

The deadline for submissions was June 16. Students provided papers describing their work in biometrics, its potential impact and the potential benefits to the industry. A panel of expert judges will review the papers and announce the winner on July 15.

“We are looking to gage the students,” Hemlich says. “Are they excited, do they have innovative drive and what do they see, based on their education, is the future of biometrics based on security and identity protection.”

The wining student will have the opportunity to travel to the U.S. to participate as a representative of SAIC in the 2010 Biometrics Consortium Conference and Biometrics Technology Expo this September.

“The future of biometrics is looking great,” Helmich said. “SAIC see this field as a serious growth area.”

Back in May, GSN sat down with Lani Hay, president and CEO of Lanmark Technology, Inc., of Vienna, VA, who is currently working with the government on improving and enhancing the use of biometrics.

“I think biometrics is going to have a lot to do with how we fight wars in the future,” Hay stated.