ITL hosts the International Meeting of Biometrics Experts

The Information Access Division of ITL hosted the International Meeting of Biometrics Experts on March 23-25, 2004 in Gaithersburg, MD to discuss international sharing of testing protocols and approaches in biometrics. Biometrics technologies are crucial for homeland and interior security, including border security and law enforcement. The implementation of efficient and effective biometric systems on an international scale can be greatly aided through international sharing of testing and evaluation methodologies and protocols, test results, and approaches that can be used by different nations to test their own systems. The purpose of this unique meeting was to support technical information sharing on biometrics between the various national biometrics testing laboratories as well as other appropriate organizations, in the hopes of leading to coordination of testing and evaluation procedures for the biometrics components of travel documents. Opening remarks were provided by Susan Zevin (Acting ITL Director), NIST Acting Director Hratch Sermerjian, Phillip Bond (Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, DOC), and Charles McQueary (Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security).

The impetus for this meeting came from a G-8 high level Working Group on Biometrics that focused on biometrics for travel documents. This group recognized the need for additional research to improve the accuracy of biometric systems, as well as for international experts to meet to exchange ideas on testing methodologies.

The meeting was organized jointly by the Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Department of Justice, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The meeting was attended by senior technical experts, including experts in biometric science and biometric systems testing and evaluation, border and immigration systems including database and information technology systems, and law enforcement, particularly international law enforcement. Presenters and attendees represented G-8 and other nations including Australia, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. The high level of expertise representing the governments of so many countries made this meeting a uniquely important contribution to biometrics for border security and law enforcement.

Contact: Marty Herman, ext. 4495