ISEN Yncréa Méditerranée

• https://isen-mediterranee.fr/en

ISEN Yncrea Méditerranée is a French engineering school located across two campuses in Toulon and Marseille.  Since 1991, it has offered a five-year engineering degree program that combines theoretical instruction with practical projects, preparing graduates to adapt to the technological challenges of tomorrow. Building on this expertise, the school now also offers three-year Bachelor’s programs and one-year Specialized Master’s programs, expanding opportunities for students at different stages of their academic and professional journeys.  

The courses cover areas such as computer science, digital technology, cybersecurity, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, e-health, connected objects, smart energy, and robotics.  

With 850 students, ISEN Yncrea Méditerranée stands out for the quality of its teaching, which not only develops technical skills but also features an innovative educational approach.  

Research plays a central role, with collaborative projects in key and strategic sectors. The institution maintains numerous partnerships with both industry and academia, ensuring a high-level professional immersion. ISEN is committed to strong values: excellence, innovation, international openness, and social responsibility.  

ISEN Ouest

• https://isen-ouest.fr/

Founded in 1994, ISEN Ouest is a leading engineering school recognized by the French institutions as an Établissement d’Enseignement Supérieur Privé d’Intérêt Général (EESPIG) since 2016. For the academic year 2024-2025, it supports nearly 1,400 students on their path to excellence. 

Among the 200+ engineering schools accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) in France, ISEN Ouest stands out for its unique pedagogical approach, centered on science, digital technology and artificial intelligence, and rooted in all business sectors. Its development strategy is based on major areas: teaching, research, territorial expansion and internationalization. 

ISEN Ouest prepares its students to take up a variety of challenges in fields such as energy, robotics, health technologies, finance, the environment and agronomy, while maintaining courses of excellence in its historic technological specializations. The human, economic, environmental and social sciences also play an important role in the curriculum, enhancing the holistic vision of our students. 

Research is a fundamental pillar of ISEN Ouest, thanks to an in-house research unit of international standing, the LabISEN. The focus is on intelligent autonomous systems, with expertise in three main areas: data processing, sensor networks and smart grids. 

Our close links with businesses encourage innovation and skills transfer. Artificial intelligence has been at the heart of the school’s research strategy for many years, and significant resources have been devoted to developing synergies between teaching and research. 

Roles & activities within CarMen 

ISEN Ouest will focus on behavioral biometrics to analyze globally, and as anonymously as possible (GDPR compliant systems, via decisions on encrypted images), the trajectories of people, or to analyze movements of the body that could be a sign of nervousness, that look suspicious, and so on. This mainly consists in providing software and algorithms to integrate in the global decision-making process, to have clues, even before using physical biometrics, about the attitude of pedestrians. 

Research results obtained from CarMen are expected to enhance ISEN Ouest expertise on GDPR compliant and trustworthy biometrics recognition systems (verification/identification done on fully encrypted data) with the following new constraints: i) hybrid / multimodal data from different biometric sources (face, iris and behavior) and ii) on-the-move context. This will provide breakthroughs in the merging of encrypted biometrics data to compute a global decision. It will also pave the way for other research projects where ISEN Ouest use AI in a hybrid analog/digital optical system, and for educational/training purposes. 

Hochschule Darmstadt

• https://h-da.de

The Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) is one of Germany’s largest Universities of Applied Sciences. The DA/SEC group is affiliated with Hochschule Darmstadt and the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity (ATHENE). Professors Christoph Busch and Christian Rathgeb led it. The group specializes in innovative and applied research in IT security, specifically in the areas of biometrics and digital forensics. Dr Juan Tapia managed the research group’s participation in the h-da for the CarMen project. 

The primary role of h-da in the CarMen project is to collaborate and develop algorithms applied to biometrics on the move, focusing on the Iris and Face for pedestrian use cases, including iris/face recognition and presentation attack detection systems. 

University of Reading

• https://www.reading.ac.uk

The University of Reading, established in 1892, is a distinguished public research institution located in Reading, Berkshire, England. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. The university comprises multiple faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, the Faculty of Life Sciences, the Faculty of Science, and the Henley Business School. 

The university operates several campuses: 

• Whiteknights Campus: The largest campus, featuring Whiteknights Lake, conservation meadows, and woodlands, housing most of the university’s departments. 

• London Road Campus: The original site near Reading town center, home to the Institute of Education and the Great Hall, where graduation ceremonies are held. 

• Greenlands Campus: Located on the River Thames in Buckinghamshire, it hosts the Henley Business School’s MBA and corporate learning programs. 

• Malaysia Campus: Opened in 2016 in Iskandar, Malaysia, offering professional programs at various levels, including the Henley Business School MBA. 

The University of Reading is recognized for its research excellence and is ranked #172 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, with the Whiteknights campus consistently voted among the UK’s best green spaces. 

The university also manages several museums and collections, including the Museum of English Rural Life and the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, enriching both academic and public communities. 

Through its comprehensive academic offerings, vibrant campus life, and dedication to research and sustainability, the University of Reading continues to be a significant contributor to higher education and societal development. 

Thales DIS

• https://www.thalesgroup.com/en

Thales Digital Identity and Security (DIS) is a global leader in digital security solutions, specializing in identity management and data protection technologies. The company enables secure financial transactions, seamless border crossings, and the development of smart energy systems. Serving over 30,000 organizations worldwide, Thales DIS provides solutions for identity verification, digital service access, data encryption, and information analysis. Their expertise includes identity and biometric solutions for governments, public authorities, and private entities, offering secure documents such as passports and ID cards, as well as mobile identity solutions. By integrating advanced technologies, Thales DIS plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of digital interactions across various sectors. 

IDEMIA identity and Security France

• https://www.idemia.com/

IDEMIA Public Security, a division of IDEMIA Group is the leading provider of convenient and trusted biometric-based solutions, transforming public and private organizations across the globe. Our industry-enabled and client-specific solutions draw upon decades of expertise in biometrics to revolutionize the fields of public security and identity, travel and transport, and access control. Built on privacy and trust, our market-leading iris, fingerprint and facial recognition solutions top independent benchmarking for accuracy, fairness and scalability. These exacting standards enable our clients to build safer, fairer societies where people can live, interact, and move about freely. Our best-in-class solutions also make us the partner of choice for leading integrators, technology providers, OEMs, and specialized partners. Learn more here. 

Roles and Activities in the CARMEN Project: 

More specifically, aside the definition of use cases and architecture contribution, IDEMIA Public Security role in CarMen focus on face detection (IDEMIA) through cars’ windows (lateral windows as well as windshield), and their suitability for face recognition against ID document face data. In addition, we will pave the way for a methodology in assessing the official open-source tool implementation of the ISO/IEC 29794-5 standard against a private EU GDPR compliant Dataset. The objective is to evaluate the level of quality of this open-source tool. We will also implement another private Image Quality Assessment tool. All of this shall be demonstrated on cars and trucks. 

• Research Work: IDEMIA is involved in research on verification with passport or biometric information when crossing border control points (BCP). 

• Face Detection: They focus on passenger face detection in slowly moving vehicles (up to 20 km/h), through windscreens and lateral windows. 

• Integration and Testing: Conducting integration and testing work in Le Havre. 

• Optimization: Optimizing camera placement, managing multiple faces simultaneously, and improving detection algorithms to cope with occlusions, fuzziness, and lack of light.
• Ensuring safe exchange of biometric data in a universal way 

Brittany Ferries

• https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

A major French player in maritime transport and the largest employer of French seafarers, Brittany Ferries plays a key role in the economic and tourism development of the coastal regions it serves in France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain. Committed to a strong environmental initiative, the company is continuing to renew its fleet of 12 ships. This year, in 2025, Brittany Ferries is celebrating the arrival of its first two LNG/Electric hybrid ships. 

ARCLAN

• https://www.arclan.eu/en

For over 30 years, ARCLAN has specialized in developing simple, efficient, and robust security solutions tailored to various sectors. From compact video surveillance systems for retail businesses to advanced risk prevention tools for critical infrastructure, ARCLAN helps protect people, assets, and operations. Their expertise extends to industries such as logistics, transportation, and public infrastructure, where they provide alert management and videoprotection solutions. Additionally, ARCLAN plays a key role in securing energy producers and distributors while supporting sustainable development initiatives for long-term resilience. 

Cabinet Louis Reynaud

• https://www.cabinet-louis-reynaud.eu/en/home/

Cabinet Louis Reynaud is a leading expert firm specializing in technological, normative, and regulatory consultancy. We offer comprehensive services, including independent security evaluations for biometrics, digital identities, and mobile security technologies. Our laboratory is renowned for assessing and certifying the security of products and services within these fields, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and innovation. With a deep commitment to advancing the security landscape, we provide reliable expertise to help organizations navigate complex security challenges and ensure robust protection for their digital assets. 

Center for Security Studies

• https://kemea.gr/en/

The Center for Security Studies (KEMEA) is a scientific, research, and advisory body that operates as a think tank under the supervision of the Ministry of Citizen Protection. It was established in 2005 with the aim of leveraging the knowledge and experience gained during the organization of the Athens Olympic Games, providing theoretical and applied research, strategic studies, and consulting services in the field of security policy. As a private legal entity with administrative and financial autonomy, it is based in Athens and supervised by the Minister of Citizen Protection.  

KEMEA aims to serve as a central reference point for security issues both in Greece and internationally through research programs, training, certifications, and collaborations with domestic and international entities. Its activities include research and development in the security sector, training professionals in new technologies, certifying professionals and processes, monitoring crime trends, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. To achieve its objectives, KEMEA has developed a wide network of partnerships at the national and international levels, collaborating with ministries, government agencies, research institutions, international organizations, and private companies. 

In Greece, its key partners include the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the Hellenic Police, the Fire Service, the Coast Guard, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, and other governmental bodies. At the European and international level, it maintains collaborations with organizations such as the European Commission, Europol, FRONTEX, NATO, and the United Nations. At the same time, it cooperates with universities such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Technical University of Crete, the National Technical University of Athens, and the University of Piraeus, as well as with research centers and private companies active in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and data analysis. Through its participation in programs such as Horizon Europe, the Internal Security Fund, and the European Defence Fund, KEMEA strengthens its position as a leading research and innovation entity in the security sector, contributing to the enhancement of public and private security in Greece and Europe. 

As a research and advisory organization of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, KEMEA could serve the needs of the CARMEN project by providing expertise in biometric control technologies, facial recognition, and suspicious behavior detection. Additionally, it could support the testing and evaluation of the system in controlled and uncontrolled border environments, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability. Furthermore, with its experience in legal and ethical compliance, KEMEA can contribute to ensuring that CARMEN adheres to GDPR regulations and respects travelers’ rights. The development of training programs for border authorities is another area where KEMEA could contribute, ensuring the proper implementation of the technology. Finally, due to its participation in international security programs, KEMEA could act as a link between CARMEN and other European initiatives, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and best practices. With its significant experience in border projects and research collaborations, KEMEA can play a crucial role in studying, adapting, and implementing CARMEN’s solutions within the Greek and European framework. 

Home Office

• https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office

Border Force, a law enforcement command within the Home Office, secures the UK border by enforcing immigration and customs controls. As part of the CARMEN project, Border Force will provide operational expertise to shape the development of technologies and use cases for testing. The insights and outcomes from the project will contribute to future border management strategies.

French Ministry of Interior 

• https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/en

The Ministry of the Interior has been central to the French state for over two centuries, ensuring citizens’ rights, duties, and freedoms as outlined in the Constitution of the Fifth Republic. With robust human and material resources, it meets the needs of citizens nationwide. Prefects and their teams represent the state locally, oversee administrative control, and coordinate responses to emergencies and crises, while also fostering social cohesion and economic development. 

The ministry is a key player in democratic life, organizing national and local elections in partnership with mayors and maintaining close ties with local authorities and associations. It manages essential civil documentation, oversees migration flows and citizenship processes, and guarantees public security through police, gendarmerie, and elite units such as RAID and GIGN. Additionally, it leads crisis management for natural disasters, technological risks, and terrorist threats, supported by comprehensive administrative and communication systems, making it indispensable for maintaining security and order in France. 

CIVI POL Conseil

• https://www.civipol.fr/en

CIVIPOL is the technical cooperation operator of the French Ministry of the Interior. Combining the efficiency of a private company with the power of its public service mission, and financed almost exclusively by international sponsors, CIVIPOL builds cooperative security projects with states on a fair return basis in internal security. The unique skills of our project leaders and operational experts are dedicated to the principles of interior security of states. 

Based on these principles, CIVIPOL: 

• assists in the area of standardisation, 

• builds specialized expertise, 

• ensures the interoperability of internal security systems on national, regional and international levels. 

CIVIPOL also supports exportation in the internal security industry through the Milipol group. 

Expertise, commitment and professionalism are the essential values of CIVIPOL. Those who join us do so with the conviction that internal security is also built externally. 

Notitia

• https://notitia.hr/

Notitia Ltd (SME, Croatia) was founded in 2012 with the aim of providing personalized consultancy services based on a rigorous scientific approach, tailored to the specific needs of both clients and the market. By uniting high-caliber scientists and experts from a diverse range of fields, Notitia Ltd leverages a professional, scientific and multidisciplinary methodology and holistic approach that ensures a unique ability to predict and respond to evolving market demands. 

Notitia Ltd collaborates closely with public, business, civil and research sectors. Its extensive experience spans from national, EU and international projects focused on research, development and innovation, with core areas of expertise that include sustainable development, sustainable tourism, smart specialization, green transition, digital transformation, and strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation. 

Notitia offers a comprehensive suite of services ranging from primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative research, analysis and studies, to research, development and innovation of business models, processes, products and services, as well as strategic planning, policy recommendations and analysis, monitoring, evaluation, management, and capacity-building and knowledge transfer activities through educations, trainings, workshops and conferences. Its impressive track record includes the design and execution of numerous EU projects under programs such as Interreg (Adrion, Danube, Italy – Croatia, Slovenia – Croatia, Central Europe, EURO-MED, etc.), Horizon Europe, Innovation Norway, etc. – serving both public and private institutions, as well as its own projects and ideas. 

Further underscoring its commitment to advancing knowledge and research, Notitia has been publishing the international scientific e-journal Notitia – Journal for Economic, Business and Social Issues (ISSN 1849-9066) since 2015. 

With its multidisciplinary expertise and unwavering commitment to sustainable development and innovation, Notitia Ltd stands as a trusted partner in driving economic, business and social innovation and progress in today’s dynamic and challenging global environment. 

Notitia Ltd is the partner responsible for dissemination, communication and exploitation in the CarMen project. In this role, Notitia Ltd develops and implements a comprehensive strategy and action plan to ensure maximum project visibility, impact, outreach and stakeholders’ engagement, and manages some of the project’s essential outputs to showcase the project’s innovations and lessons learned. 

Idiap Research Institute

• https://www.idiap.ch/en