CENode (Controlled English Node - http://cenode.io) is a lightweight natural language knowledge-based system implemented using JavaScript, designed to run effectively in a wide variety of contexts, from servers to mobile devices and Internet ???things???. CENode-based apps interact with users in natural language using a conversational protocol that allows people to input queries and pieces of information (ask and tell); the apps can also ask and tell the user things. Example CENode-based apps include Moira (Mobile Information Reporting Agent) for obtaining ???on the spot??? reports (e.g. from people on patrol) and SHERLOCK (Simple Human Experiment Regarding Locally Observed Collective Knowledge) for crowdsourcing knowledge bases.

Cardiff University recently launched a new research institute in Crime & Security (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/crime-security-research-institute). The goal of this project is to design a number of potential applications for the CENode and SHERLOCK technology in relation to the work of the Crime & Security Institute. The results of the project would include proposals for the applications - including their potential for real-world impact - and would ideally be backed-up with prototypes or concept illustrations that could be used to obtain funding to develop full applications.