The creation of the center reflects the growing importance of biometrics as a field, as well as the rising number of technologies and applications - including airport screenings and online security assurance - that depend on biometric data to effectively function.
As part of its work, the ICBR designs, oversees, and analyzes experiments and data collection related to a wide range of subjects associated with biometrics, including identity management, interactions between humans and biometric sensors, and usability issues. Students involved in the center's work learn important research skills and develop expertise on biometrics-related issues, preparing them for important work in tomorrow's employment market.
"Purdue has long been an important partner when it comes to supporting innovation and the advancement of standardization in the United States and worldwide," said S. Joe Bhatia, ANSI president and CEO. "And in light of the growing concerns associated with the aging of the standardization community, the work done by Purdue and the ICBR to introduce a new generation of young people to essential fields of scientific inquiry and their associated standardization needs is very important and very welcome."
In 2006, Dr. Elliott was awarded ANSI's Next Generation Award, which honors an individual who has been engaged in standardization or conformity assessment activities for less than eight years and has made significant contributions to his or her chosen field of activity. Dr. Elliott was honored for his work on biometrics for the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) and his efforts to teach his students about the important role played by standardization in supporting innovation and boosting the global economy. Matthew Young, who worked with Dr. Elliott at the Biometrics Standards, Performance, and Assurance Laboratory while a student at Purdue, received the same honor in 2011 in connection with his work on standardization related to biometrics.
"Effectively advancing biometrics research and technologies requires collaboration between academia, government agencies, nonprofit groups, and industry," said Dr. Elliott. "The ICBR helps to support that important partnership by pairing biometrics research with a curriculum that informs students about the central role played by standards and trade in the development and adoption of new technologies and fields of inquiry."
To learn more about the ICBR and its activities, visit its official website.