Experts from the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with the United States Department of Homeland Security joined scientists and civil emergency responders from NATO and partner nations at a multinational emergency response exercise in Bosnia and Herzegovina to field-test various technological and scientific innovations in the area of search and rescue.

This is the 17th international field exercise organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) and the first one hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 1,200 participants were tested on international cooperation and interoperability in disaster response, including water rescue and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection, protection and decontamination.

The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, or SPS, supports scientific research in various fields of technology and innovation. It was widely involved in the exercise, field-testing both a cutting-edge incident command system and two telemedicine projects.

Interviews with programme directors and scientists utilising new technologies in the field on location in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Teaser: If fires or floods strike, how will NATO use science and technology to respond? Experts from MIT joined NATO scientists at a disaster relief exercise to test out the latest innovations.