The Security Group research team is research active in the areas of explosives, controlled drugs and CBRN detection, working with instrument manufacturers to develop new and improve current detection equipment. We also have researchers active in the areas of counter-IED and homemade explosives.
Our post-blast residue research has enabled a better understanding of the fate and distribution of explosives after a terrorist event, enabling improvements in crime scene investigation and the development of improved analytical methodologies for the detection of explosives.
One of the research themes is the detection of vapours of illicit substances and their precursor chemicals by using the handheld CRIM-TRACK detection sensor (TRL-4), which is able to detect chemicals in the air at parts per billion or trillion level. The offers a non-intrusive, near real-time detection capability with no contact with the threat and can be easily adapted to different threat scenarios.
The research has been recently directed to other sectors such as the detection of chemical hazards in National Archive Repositories and development of biodetection technologies against harmful, airborne pathogens.
Security research is becoming increasingly important and we work closely with the Cranfield Forensic Institute in these areas.
