The theme of DSR-2011 is "Science and Innovation in the Brave New World". There are numerous challenges in developing defences, particularly medical sciences and technological countermeasures to address both biological and physical threats. If corresponding products or systems address only a particular agent, and have no other application, the cost of development and preparedness is enormously high in this new environment relative to the perceived benefit of having these tools at hand. Yet in a world where natural resources are getting scarce, every effort to minimise wastage is important. Thus, it is crucial to develop technological and medical solutions that are both effective and cost efficient.