DURHAM, NC - Federal, state and local officials gathered in Research Triangle Park Tuesday to mark the establishment of a new institute that will conduct a wide range of social science and policy-related research intended to strengthen homeland security.

The Institute for Homeland Security Solutions, a federally funded research collaboration, will conduct applied social science research to improve detection, analysis and understanding of homeland security threats and to enhance response and recovery efforts.

Funding for the initiative was secured by U.S. Rep. David Price, chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the House Appropriations Committee, as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations funding bill.

"I am excited about this new partnership in our region," said Price, who represents the Research Triangle. "This new institute will help make the Research Triangle and North Carolina a national leader in homeland security applied research."

Funded by $7.5 million from the Department of Homeland Security, the institute will be managed as collaboration among RTI International, Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the North Carolina Military Foundation.

"The department's investment in this institute is indicative of the increasing emphasis we're placing on integrating the social-behavioral sciences and the human factor into our efforts to anticipate and counter the tactics of terrorists and save lives," said Jay Cohen, U.S. Department of Homeland Security undersecretary for science and technology. "This is a vital and growing area of research that will fortify our efforts to enable technology for making the nation safer."

"We are pleased to provide a unique resource for government officials to draw upon for their applied research needs," said Victoria Haynes, president and CEO of RTI International. "The combined resources of RTI and the North Carolina research community will offer tremendous insights and capabilities to enhance our nation's security."

The institute will focus on developing near-term solutions to practical, real-world homeland security challenges, including critical policy and operational implications of new technologies and information analysis tools. The institute will also conduct research to improve understanding and analysis of emerging homeland security threats.

"Homeland security is an issue of critical importance, one that extends far beyond traditional military concerns to encompass a wide range of issues that can be informed by the social sciences and other fields," said Duke Provost Peter Lange, the university's senior academic officer. "We're very pleased to join with our partners to form this institute and apply the expertise of our faculty members and others to expand knowledge in this field and enhance our country's security."

"North Carolina is at the forefront in addressing America's emerging homeland security needs," Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue said. "With our growing defense economy, rich military history and world-renowned university researchers, North Carolina is a perfect fit for IHSS."

The institute will fund projects conducted by consortium members, and will also seek partnerships with other universities, research organizations and the private sector to carry out its objectives.

"A comprehensive approach to homeland security requires the contributions of expertise from many fields," said Bernadette Gray-Little, UNC-Chapel Hill's executive vice chancellor and provost. "Carolina's strength in interdisciplinary research, coupled with our long record of successful collaboration with Duke and other partners, positions us well to help address these big challenges."

"The North Carolina Military Foundation spearheaded this initiative with its partners to support the homeland security priorities of our nation," said retired U.S. Army Gen. Buck Kernan, foundation chairman. "The launch of the institute is an important development in North Carolina's efforts to grow a leading defense and security cluster, and will strengthen the state's competitive advantages in research and development."