Release Date 28 February 2012

"Research undertaken at the University of Reading into automated CCTV analysis has had significant impact in safety, security and threat assessment". These were the comments of Dr James Ferryman during his talk to leading donors to the University at the 3^rd annual Breakfast Forum held at KPMG in London.

The event saw over 20 business leaders exchange ideas on issues around the technological advancements in surveillance. Dr Ferryman, from the University's School of Systems Engineering, emphasised the strong links that the University has with industry, academia, users and stakeholders.

Dr Ferryman illustrated how the recently completed European Union SUBITO project is linking computer vision and behavioural science to reduce the impact of false alarms in the detection of abandoned bags in public spaces. He is also contributing to the development of an integrated approach to improving security at border checkpoints through automated surveillance.

Dominic Malsom who graduated in 1991 with a BSc in Psychology and Zoology said:  "I certainly enjoyed the presentation. It was stimulating and a great opportunity to learn about a field that isn't directly related to my work. The additional benefit was the opportunity to network with peers from different business areas. I certainly left with a few business cards I will be using in the future."

The President's breakfast Forum is an annual event for leading donors to the University. The event is a chance for those who contribute to making Reading one of the top 200 universities in the world to meet senior management from the University and to hear from Reading academics on their latest cutting-edge research.  This year, attendees were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Sir David Bell KCB, the University's new Vice-Chancellor.

Ends

Notes for Editors:

The University of Reading is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world, and is one of the leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

Fundraising Success

• University has raised almost £30 million in philanthropic funding since 2004.

Dr James Ferryman

• Dr James Ferryman is a senior lecturer in Computer Science and leads both the Computational Vision Group and the wider Computing Research Group in the School of Systems Engineering
• The Computational Vision Group addresses perception and reasoning in relation to image interpretation including topics such as environmental monitoring, biometrics, and automated CCTV
• Dr Ferryman's current research focuses on automated CCTV analysis for safety ,security and threat assessment.
• Shortlisted for the 2011 Times Higher Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovation & Technology.