Recognized in Best Explosive Detection Category by Government Security News Magazine

BILLERICA, Mass. – October 13, 2011 – American Science and Engineering, Inc. (“AS&E”) (NASDAQ: ASEI), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today that the Company has been named as a finalist in the Best Explosive Detection Product or Solution category for the 2011 Government Security News (GSN) Homeland Security Awards.
AS&E is being recognized for its top selling Z Backscatter™ Van (ZBV™), with its unprecedented level of worldwide success as the number one selling non-intrusive cargo and vehicle inspection system on the market. With over 560 ZBV systems sold to 115 customers in 53 countries, the number of ZBV success stories around the world continually grows.  The U.S. government has deployed hundreds of ZBV systems and it has been an instrumental tool to homeland security and U.S. government security officials to detect explosives, drugs, currency, stowaways and other contraband in war zones and in U.S. ports and borders.

“We are truly honored to be named a finalist in GSN’s Homeland Security Awards, and to be recognized for our unique and proven ZBV system for critical counterterrorism and force protection applications,” said Robert Postle, AS&E’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales. “With its mobility and flexibility, our ZBV system continues to be a market leader for explosive and contraband detection, allowing customers to quickly and effectively respond to security threats.”

The ZBV system has supported military organizations since its debut and continues to meet evolving, rigorous security requirements. Proven an invaluable tool for counterterrorism and force protection, the ZBV system has demonstrated effectiveness in detecting VBIEDs (vehicle borne improvised explosive devices) at strategic checkpoints and military bases in war zones.
The GSN Homeland Security Awards celebrate the ongoing public-private partnership between all branches of federal, state and local government in the United States and the private sector vendors of IT security and physical security products, solutions and technologies, whose combined efforts successfully defend and protect the nation’s people, property and way of life. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 14 at GSN’s 2011 Awards Program, which is being held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C.

AS&E’s Z Backscatter Van (ZBV)
A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, AS&E’'s Z Backscatter Van is the number one selling non-intrusive mobile inspection system on the market. The ZBV system is a highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV system allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections.

About AS&E
American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. With over 50 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company's product line utilizes a combination of technologies, including patented Z Backscatter technology, Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD), high energy transmission and dual energy transmission X-ray. These technologies offer superior X-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E's complete range of products include cargo inspection systems for port and border security, baggage screening systems for facility and aviation security, and personnel and passenger screening systems. AS&E® systems protect high-threat facilities and help combat terrorism, trade fraud, drug smuggling, weapon smuggling, illegal immigration, and people smuggling. AS&E customers include leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, airports and corporations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), UK Border Agency (UKBA), Hong Kong Customs, and Abu Dhabi Customs. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit www.as-e.com

Safe Harbor Statement: The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E’s financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered “forward-looking” under applicable securities laws.  AS&E wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein include the following: significant reductions, delays or cancellations (in full or in part) in procurements of the Company’s systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; limitations under certain laws on the Company’s ability to protect its own intellectual property; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company’s products to address such threats; the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth; technical problems and other delays that could impact new product development and the Company’s ability to adapt to changes in technology and customer requirements; competitive pressures; lengthy sales cycles both in United States government procurement and procurement abroad;  future delays in federal funding, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the company from time to time,  the company's cash flows from operations and market and general economic conditions. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E’s periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time. Readers are further advised to review the “Risk Factors” set forth in the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K,  which further detail and supplement the factors described in this Safe Harbor Statement.  Among other disclosures, the Risk Factors disclose risks pertaining to that portion of the Company’s business that is dependent on United States government contracting as well as international customers.

Public Relations Contact:
Dana Harris      
Red Javelin Communications, Inc.   
978-440-8392      
dana@redjavelin.com

Laura Berman
American Science and Engineering, Inc.
978-262-8700
lberman@as-e.com