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UK Biometrics Institute (UKBI)
Biometrics provide a means of identifying individuals or confirming claimed identity based on physiological or behavioural characteristics unique to that individual. With wide-ranging applications modern society, most familiar in connection with passports, visas and other travel documents and, of course the UK national ID card programme, biometrics are increasingly common in other scenarios - in schools, healthcare situations and in industry. The study of biometrics is a field of increasing maturity and impact, and is inherently multidisciplinary. Nationally-focused and led by the School of Engineering and Digital Arts, UKBI brings together all the UK stakeholders in biometrics (the academic research base, industry, relevant Government agencies, end users, the public, etc), providing a unique cross-sector partnership and a framework within which organisations can work together more effectively.
Among UKBI’s principal aims are:
- To be a focus for timely, reliable, impartial and objective advice which can draw on diverse sources of expertise
- To ensure widespread dissemination of best practice in biometrics
- To be a repository for and guardian of state of the art knowledge, data and expertise accessible by all stakeholders
- To map future market requirements
- To ensure that the sector develops and maintains a highly skilled workforce to sustain competitiveness in the global market
- To monitor and develop links with international activity
- To promote public understanding and discussion of biometrics and applications
Although led by the University of Kent, UKBI encompasses a wide range of University affiliates and other stakeholder organisations, and offers a unique mix of experience and expertise across the whole UK biometrics sector.
Contact: Professor M.C. Fairhurst, Professor of Computer Vision, School of Engineering and Digital Arts
(M.C.Fairhurst@kent.ac.uk)