Skip to content

Security

Testing and advancing technology to protect the world from new and evolving threats

Discover More

We create cutting-edge solutions for global security challenges.

Fending off misinformation in the public square

Protecting privacy from vulnerabilities in wireless devices

Designing innovative tech to keep nation’s warfighters safe on the battlefield

Shielding global supply chains from cybersecurity threats

Partner with us

Our collaborative, real-world approach in action

Airport security made safer and efficient

Northeastern Innovation Campus / Burlington, MA

Problem

Airport security remains a top national priority, but challenges remain—from long lines at checkpoints to detecting weapons made of plastic and other non-metals.

Solution

Northeastern researchers, boosted by millions in federal funding, are actively developing advanced technologies that strengthen airport security and ease hassles for travelers.

See how we did it
See how we did it

Our collaborative, real-world approach in action

Airport security made safer and efficient

Northeastern Innovation Campus / Burlington, MA

Problem

Hospitals need better models for anticipating negative outcomes to help doctors and nurses intervene earlier, while also reducing readmission rates and costs.

Solution

Researchers—including a world-leading expert in computational medicine—are deploying AI and predictive algorithms in real time to uncover patterns in patient data that could alert caretakers to complications and prevent adverse cardiac events.

Partnership

DHS-backed security research centers spur crucial detection technologies

ALERT (Awareness and Localization of Explosives-Related Threats), a multi-university center led by Northeastern that leads transformational research on explosive detection

Learn more about ALERT

SENTRY (Soft Target Engineering to Neutralize the Threat Reality), a multi-university effort also led by Northeastern to build a versatile surveillance system designed to protect so-called “soft targets” like public transportation hubs, schools, and stadiums 

Learn more about SENTRY

Experts

Leading these two Centers of Excellence

Michael Silevitch / Robert D. Black Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and COE Distinguished Professor

An expert in subsurface sensing and imaging systems and explosives detection, Silevitch directs both the ALERT and SENTRY Centers of Excellence.

Read full bio

Carey Rappaport / COE Distinguished Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Deputy Director of ALERT and SENTRY Centers of Excellence

An expert in electromagnetics, antennas, and sensing technology, Rappaport serves as deputy director for both the ALERT and SENTRY Centers of Excellence.

Read full bio

Innovation

Developing next-gen body scanners

Traditional metal detectors were unable to detect weapons made of plastic and other non-metals, and existing full body-scanners can have high false-alarm rates. The latter problem inspired Rappaport to develop a scanner that deploys more sensors snapping images at a much quicker rate—so passengers can get scanned from various points of view in a single moment.

Learn more

Research Institute

Focused on accelerating security tech

Northeastern’s campus in Burlington, Massachusetts, which co-locates researchers in academia, government, and industry, is also home to the university’s Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security where a mock airport checkpoint enables researchers to test video data-tracking software to track passengers and their items in real time.

Explore Kostas Research Institute

The latest in Northeastern security research

More research stories
  • Fu Kevin

    NGN RESEARCH

    How secure is your security camera? 

    Read story

  • Alexa device

    NGN RESEARCH

    NSF grant will allow researchers from around the world to improve security of smart devices, remotely 

    Read story

  • Mountain runway planes

    NGN RESEARCH

    Using drones will revolutionize the inspection of remote runways in Canada and beyond

    Read story

Security research resources

  • Commercialization

    Launch a security startup, protect your IP, commercialize your technology, and strengthen your grant application

    Get started
  • Funding support

    Search and apply for grants from the NSF, DoD, DHS, and more

    Funding opportunities
  • Institutes and centers

    Access leading-edge centers and facilities like the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things and the Expeditionary Cyber and Unmanned Aircraft System lab

    Learn more
  • Research discovery

    Find a range of security-focused research experts across disciplines and institutions, and build collaborative teams

    Research opportunities

Our People

Research Resources

Capabilities and Collaborators

Shared Research Facilities

Events and Announcements

Office of the Provost

NU-RES

Center for Research Innovation

Office of Research Development

Office of Academic and Research Safety

Human Subject Research Protection

QUICK LINKS

CAMPUS LOCATIONS

Today, a vanguard of donors is driving Northeastern’s historic $1.3 billion campaign. With initiatives that span the globe, accelerating outcomes, we’re creating a better world right now. Learn more about our mission

Copyright 2024 Northeastern University