Dr. Louis Gritzo

WPI to Host Second Annual Global Public Safety Symposium

International collaborators will discuss existing challenges and new opportunities for developing smart and safe communities worldwide on September 17, 2018.
Media Contact
September 12, 2018

True to its mission of becoming a premier global polytechnic institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is bringing together experts to discuss innovative solutions to some of the world’s pressing public safety challenges. The second annual global public safety forum will feature representatives from government, industry and academia including Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. The theme of this year’s symposium is “New Frontiers in Global Public Safety” with a focus on six main areas: fire protection, water security, food safety, emergency response, transportation technologies, and innovations in energy.

The symposium is part of the Center for Global Public Safety (CGPS), which aims to engage in research, education, strategic alliances and outreach activities that make the world a safer place. 

When:

Monday, September 17, 2018

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where:

Rubin Campus Center, Odeum

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609

Other highlights:

9 a.m. - Opening remarks:

Laurie Leshin, WPI President​

Wole  Soboyejo, WPI Interim Provost

Bin Yang, Tsinghua University Provost

John McNeill, WPI Interim Dean of Engineering

9:30 a.m. - Presentation by and award ceremony for 2018 Howard W. Emmons Distinguished Lecturer, Prof. Weicheng Fan, Director of the Institute for Public Safety Research at Tsinghua University

10:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion with experts from academia and industry.

Topics include: emerging science, policy implications, new technologies, industry and educational needs, as well as perspectives from China      

1:30 p.m. - Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Louis Gritzo, VP of Research at FM Global

Albert Simeoni, Professor and Dept. Head, Fire Protection Engineering at WPI

Media interested in covering the event should contact:

Colleen Bamford Wamback, Public Relations Manager

508-688-4858, cbwamback@wpi.edu