New biometrics research center aims to transfer biometrics technologies to private/government sectors

JANUARY 28--The Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR) based at West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV; www.csee.wvu.edu/citer ) is a new National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) that draws upon the interdisciplinary faculty expertise of West Virginia, Marshall, Michigan State, and San Jose State Universities. It is the first comprehensive academic center to serve the emerging field of biometrics and identification technology advancement.

Viisage Technology Inc. (Littleton, MA; www.viisage.com) is a founding member of the research center. Said Tom Colatosti, CEO and president of Viisage Technology, "Viisage remains committed to the advancement of our scientific research, to extend the technology, and to work with other biometrics companies and researchers to provide the best toolbox of identification technologies for the many applications demanded by current national security concerns. The CITeR will aid us in achieving these goals."

The goal of the CITeR as an I/UCRC is to advance the performance of biometric systems through cross-cutting research of new enabling technologies, interdisciplinary training of scientists and engineers through its biometrics research, and the facilitation of the transfer of new biometrics technology to the private and government sectors through its membership. Viisage has supported West Virginia University's effort to make the center a reality for the last two years and participated in the center's April 2001 Planning Conference along with other representatives from industry and government.