Speaking at an inaugural ceremony for the University's new Institute for Non-Lethal Defense Technologies, General Michael J. Williams, Commanding General of the Marine Corps Systems Command, called the establishment of the agreement a proud and exciting day for the Marine Corps.
"We are embarking on another Marine Corps first -- a cooperative agreement for research and development (CRADA) with a world-class university," said Williams.
Dr. Edward G. Liszka, institute director, said, "Penn State is very proud to join with the Marine Corps in this cooperative agreement and we intend to focus the activities of the new institute on helping the Marine Corps develop what will be viewed as revolutionary new capabilities.
"Initially, we will be working with the Marine Corps to examine the medical, psychological and legal effects of non-lethal technologies and to set standards for their development and use," he said.
The Marine Corps is leading the way in pursuing development and use of non-lethal alternatives.
"There is a great deal we don't know about non-lethal technology, not only the utility of various devices and technologies, but also the legal, ethical, medical and other implications of their use," Williams said. "That's why our new relationship is so vital and will become a powerful force as the Marine Corps enters the 21st century."
Penn State's new Institute for Non-Lethal Defense Technologies is dedicated to developing multidisciplinary knowledge and the technology base needed for the development and responsible application of non-lethal options for both military and civilian applications. The technologies are intended to be used as an adjunct to conventional means aimed at controlling conflict escalation and/or achieving conflict resolution.
Among the research areas that the institute will explore are: concept/technology development; performance effectiveness; rules of engagement; safety standards; countermeasures; consequence management; measures of lethality; legal implications; medical implications; environment issues; and training.
According to the new institute's mission statement, it will:
--promote, coordinate and conduct interdisciplinary research and development of non-lethal concepts and technologies.
-- network with other universities, research institutions, industry and military/government agencies.
-- maintain computerized database on expertise and technologies.
-- provide simulation and modeling capabilities for assessments and training.
-- promote workshops and conferences on the study of non-lethal options.
--serve as non-vested agent and trusted adviser.
Membership in the institute currently includes Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory; Environmental Resource Research Institute; College of Earth and Mineral Science; College of Engineering; College of Health and Human Development; College of Medicine; Institute for Policy Research and Evaluation; and Dickinson School of Law. In the future, membership will be expanded to faculty and staff members at other colleges and universities, government organizations and not-for-profit research groups. Businesses and industries will participate as associate members.