University of Kent receives EU grant for mobile biometrics research network

University of Kent’s The School of Engineering and Digital Arts has been awarded a €2.5 million (US$2.76 million) grant from the European Commission for a research network that will address current issues facing the use of mobile devices to deliver biometric solutions.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Integrated Training Network (ITN) grant, which will begin this January, is being spearheaded by Kent’s Deputy Head of Engineering and Digital Arts, Dr Richard Guest.

The project will be a collaboration with four other European universities, including Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain), Roma Tre University (Italy), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany), and Warsaw University of Technology (Poland).

In addition, researchers will be working with European-wide industry partners including IBM, Nubo Solutions, ElevenPaths, Skalli, NASK, GenKey, and Namirial.

This research will analyze how biometrics can ensure both a combination of convenience and security on mobile devices.

In 2015, the UK Government’s Science and Technology Committee decided to develop a strategic approach to the use of biometrics due to its rapidly-changing state.

Recognizing that it serves as a better identity verification solution, the Committee also noted that it must also protect the rights of the public from unnecessary intrusion or data misuse.

With its strong industrial ties, The School of Engineering and Digital Arts is engaged in high-quality research with significant national and international impact while offering great opportunities for graduate studies.

Article Topics

authentication  |  biometrics  |  biometrics research  |  mobile device