`We are trying to close the gap between science and industry,' Sandro Etalle (EEMSC / Computer Science) explains. He feels that there is a lot of knowledge on computer security in Dutch universities that should be put to better use. `Quality research and education are the primary tasks of a university, but this topic is perfect for applied research. You should involve businesses in that, and that doesn't happen enough.'
Etalle is certain NSVO will improve university research. `Quality research does not always need a clear link to practice, but it does for research in this area.' There is also a major advantage for businesses in cooperation: better access to knowledge and thus to products.
`This process should be coordinated at the highest level,' claims Etalle. `Cooperation tends to fail because scientists are uninterested by the problems of industry or because businesses consider the research to be too abstract.'
NVSO will concentrate on learning from the way Belgians structured their computer security research. `Belgium is the leading country and the University of Leuven the world authority in the field, so we didn't invite just any neighbor to speak at the kick-off.'
One of the things NSVO could research is the future security for the digital patient dossier. Etalle: `Or new intrusion detection systems, that warn when a person or virus is trying to hijack a pc.'
Trans. Jeroen Latour
