It’s a honour to have been appointed member of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme’s ‘Independent Scientific Evaluation Group’ (ISEG). The Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme promotes dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO member states and partner countries based on scientific research, technological innovation and knowledge exchange. The SPS Programme offers funding, expert advice and support to tailor-made, civil security-relevant activities that respond to NATO’s strategic objectives. Specifically:
- The SPS Programme enhances practical, result-oriented cooperation involving scientists, experts and government officials from NATO member and partner countries alike.
- It responds and adapts to the changing security environment to support NATO’s strategic objectives and political priorities in its relations with partner countries.
- The SPS Programme makes contributions to NATO’s efforts to project stability and build capacity in partner countries.
- SPS activities are guided by security-related priorities such as counter-terrorism, cyber defence, advanced technologies, energy and environmental security, and threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) hazards.
- Over the past five years, the Programme has initiated more than 450 collaborative activities among its member states and partner countries
My contribution, of course, will be focused on aspects of security related to environmental hazards, including climate change, invasion biology, and human related vulnerabilities.