ALERT

ALERT (Awareness & Localization of Explosives-Related Threats) is a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence (COE) led by Northeastern University.

MISSION AND ORGANIZATION

ALERT seeks to conduct transformational research, develop technology, and provide educational development to improve effective characterization, detection, mitigation, and response to explosives-related threats facing the country and the world. A multi-university, Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence (COE), the ALERT Center is a partnership made up of nati

onal and international academic, industrial, and government entities. Researchers in this partnership bring strengths in advanced sensor design, standoff weak-target detection, signal processing, sensor integration, explosives characterization, improvised explosive device (IED) detonator signatures, shock physics, and material science. This expertise, combined with resources from national lab affiliates and other industrial and government partners, form a team capable of carrying out the daunting ALERT mission. RESEARCH DRIVEN BY REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES

Providing ultra-reliable screening, improving the ability to detect explosives at a distance, and providing seamless transition of research to the field are among the real-world challenges the Center looks to impact. These challenges have defined our four fundamental science research thrusts:

- Characterization & Elimination of Illicit Explosives (Thrust 1)
- Trace & V***r Sensors (Thrust 2)
- Bulk Sensors & Sensor Systems (Thrust 3)
- Video Analytics & Signature Analysis (Thrust 4)

OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The ALERT Education Program is geared toward reaching students at multiple stages of their education, from K-12 to community college, undergraduate, and graduate programs. ALERT also offers courses and training opportunities for professionals in the homeland security workforce. Some of the ALERT education programs include the Science and Engineering Workforce Development (SEWDP) Program, a scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate students; the ALERT Scholars Program, which engages freshmen engineering students at Northeastern University; the ALERT REU program for undergraduates to engage in summer research; the ALERT Student Leadership Council, which involves ALERT students in the planning of professional development events and activities; and several regular short courses taught at the University of Rhode Island for DHS-related professionals. TRANSITIONING RESEARCH TO REALITY

ALERT partners closely with industry in order to transition research into fieldable systems. The Center accomplishes this by working closely with partners and researchers to identify opportunities, pursuing joint proposals, and collaborative conferences like the Advanced Development for Security Applications (ADSA) workshops. By seamlessly linking industry, government and academic partners, ALERT creates powerful collaborations that successfully transition technology. A HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

The Homeland Security Centers of Excellence bring together leading experts and researchers to conduct multidisciplinary research and education for homeland security solutions. The centers are authorized by Congress and chosen by the Department’s Science & Technology Directorate through a competitive selection process. Each center is led by a university in collaboration with partners from other institutions, agencies, laboratories, think tanks, and the private sector. For more details on the ALERT Center and its work, visit the ALERT website listed on this page.

02/13/2025

Are you a university affiliate with a research interest in counterterrorism efforts? February 21, 2025, is the last day to respond to the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)'s annual research proposal request. Learn more at the link below.
https://ow.ly/Gchj50UO9I3

02/04/2025

Happy from ALERT! Join us in honoring and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to all aspects of American life, especially the contributions of Black scientists and engineers.

01/30/2025

Reconnect 2025: Port Security, June 23-26 in Mystic, CT, gathers educators and security professionals to focus on safeguarding ports against threats. Apply today to contribute to this vital conversation and advance actionable solutions for port security. https://ow.ly/qily50UzrVR

01/15/2025

Are you a university affiliate with a research idea to address a critical knowledge gap in counterterrorism? Apply to NCITE’s annual request for proposals to bring your project to life. Learn more at the link below. https://ow.ly/3XNI50UzrPe

01/07/2025

Join SENTRY’s DASSH Student Design Challenge this February, a focused 3-day virtual event addressing critical homeland security issues. Participants will collaborate on complex scenarios, such as cascading cyberattacks and natural disasters, to develop practical, innovative solutions. With mentorship from leading experts and the opportunity to present proposals to Department of Homeland Security leadership, this event is a platform to tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful change. Register now to take part in this important initiative. https://sentry.northeastern.edu/event/dassh-designing-actionable-solutions-for-a-secure-homeland-student-design-challenge-2/

12/20/2024

Happy holidays from ALERT! We hope you have a peaceful and cheerful holiday season.

12/12/2024

As the holiday season approaches, many are organizing their travel plans. To ensure a smooth and safe journey, check out the Transportation Security Administration - TSA's top travel tips.

https://ow.ly/pGYm50UlRyi

12/05/2024

The holidays bring an increase in online shopping, charitable donations, and travel, creating more opportunities for scams to thrive. Fraudsters take advantage of the heightened activity and distractions during this busy time to target unsuspecting individuals. Learn how to shop safely this year with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's holiday shopping guide.

https://ow.ly/27oo50UlPMS

11/28/2024

This Thanksgiving, ALERT extends gratitude to our partners in homeland security. Wishing everyone a day of peace, warmth, and thankfulness.

https://alert.northeastern.edu

11/21/2024

Explore ALERT’s Digital Repository for key resources on explosives-related threat detection, mitigation, and response. With over 15 years of research and contributions from our team, partners, and stakeholders, access materials that highlight ALERT’s advancements in safety and security.

https://ow.ly/znjC50TPTJA

11/11/2024

Today, ALERT honors the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We extend our gratitude for their service and dedication.

11/06/2024

With the increasing demand for more secure and efficient cargo screening, ALERT is committed to advancing security measures through our ongoing collaboration with Astrophysics Inc. in developing the world’s first Multi-View Computed Tomography (MVCT) system for palletized cargo. This technology enhances detection accuracy, reduces false alarms, and significantly improves throughput. Check out MVCT in action at the link below.

https://alert.northeastern.edu/clasp/

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Location

Boston

Website

http://www.northeastern.edu/alert/

Address

360 Huntington Avenue, Suite 302 Stearns Center
Boston, MA
02115

ALERT

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