The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently celebrated 10 years of partnership with the government of Sweden at the “Safe and Sound” kickoff event, hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C. Since the creation of the partnership in 2007, DHS S&T has worked with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) to collaborate on pressing security issues facing each nation and to innovatively address and anticipate future threats.
“These (Safe and Sound) events highlight the core values that really serve as the foundation for the relationship between Sweden and the United States. We have enjoyed very close relations over the years, and we will continue to do so,” said his excellency Björn Lyrvall, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States.”
Cooperative efforts between the U.S. and Sweden have led to advances in the critical needs of the Homeland Security Enterprise, including: cybersecurity, canine explosives detection, and first responder innovation. Within the Cyber Security Division alone, Sweden participated in at least six research and development projects. As a result of these efforts, the two nations co-founded the development of technologies to optimize cybersecurity incident response teams’ effectiveness, and created a user authentication mechanism that uses smartphone sensors to recognize, securely store, and update unique user characteristics.
In addition to S&T, MSB has formed relationships with many other DHS’ components.
“When we think about where we are after ten years, it is not just a relationship with S&T. It’s a relationship with the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, National Protection and Programs Division … with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with the Coast Guard, with Immigration Customs Enforcement and with Customs and Border Protection. If you think about all of the elements of the Department (of Homeland Security), this is an agreement that touches every single element, and I can’t say that about every agreement,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology (Acting), Dr. Robert Griffin.
Safe and Sound initiates a yearlong series of events, dedicated to providing for safer, more secure and resilient communities around the globe. S&T is grateful for its relationship with Sweden and looks forward to continued collaboration throughout the year.