West Virginias emerging role as a player in the development of biometric technologies was underscored today as Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) led a day-long program of presentations and discussions with preeminent biometric scientists from government, industry and academia on the campus of West Virginia University.
p. “Biometric technologies have an important role to play in issues of personal and national security, and West Virginia is playing an important role in biometrics,”Rockefeller said.”With the significant work being done here at WVU and along our high tech corridor, West Virginia is well-poised to become a leader in the industry.”
Biometrics, which blends new technologies and biological traits like fingerprints, retinal or iris scans and face recognition, is expected to play an increasing role in developing homeland security measures. A cluster of enterprises involved in biometric technologies have located in north central West Virginia in recent years.
David Hardesty, WVU president, noted that the states growing reputation in the industry was instrumental in drawing some of the worlds leading experts to todays forum, titled: Biometrics: 21st Century Applications and Implications.
“As evidenced by the quality of speakers and the experts attending the forum, the State and WVU are recognized as national leaders of biometric education and research. WVU is facilitating discussions on development of national biometric standards, as well as the national biometric research agenda, and we are equally committed to fostering the biometric industry in West Virginia.”
Todays event marks Rockefellers fourth West Virginia Forum on Technology&Innovation at WVU . Governor Bob Wise addressed the group on the role of biometrics at the state level. Other participants included Dr. John Phillips, lead biometric scientist for the Central Intelligence Agency, Dr. Gary Strong, lead biometric scientist for the Department of Homeland Security, and Dr. Joseph Atick, CEO of Identix and considered to be the worlds foremost expert on fingerprint and facial biometrics.
