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The National Consortium for the Study and Responses to Terrorism (START), launched in 2005, is a university-based research and education center comprised of an international network of scholars committed to the scientific study of the causes and human consequences of terrorism in the United States and around the world. A Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence headquartered at the University of Maryland, START supports the research efforts of leading social scientists at more than 50 academic and research institutions, each of whom is conducting original investigations into fundamental questions about terrorism. START has developed educational materials and programs specifically designed for instructors and students at the secondary, university, and graduate levels. Educational resources available through START include relevant teaching tools and a range of unique data sources that can be integrated into an array of courses to deepen students' understanding of the dynamics of terrorism. START also has internships and funding opportunities available to undergraduate and graduate students engaged in terrorism research.

Among the network of scholars, some of which have been featured on Intelligence. Unclassified. over the last several weeks, is Dr. Gary LaFree, who not only leads START as its Director, but also teaches as a criminology professor at the University of Maryland. Today, he and Intelligence Analyst Paige Schilling discuss a variety of topics in the study of terrorism, including the difficulties of gathering information, the government’s approach when it comes to international versus domestic terrorism, and the inspiration for writing his recent book, Countering Terrorism.