Department of State - Office of the Science & Technology Adviser

With New City projects gaining popularity, it’s crucial for policymakers to examine the risks and real-world outcomes of these costly developments. From equity concerns to environmental impacts, #WorldUrbanForum will address the key challenges. Don’t miss the U.S.-led discussion on how investing in digital transformation can support better urban policies and shape the cities of tomorrow. At our conversation, you will have the chance to hear from Dr. Allison Schwier, the Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary, Professor Sarah Moser of McGill University, Astrid R.N. Haas, and Omar Siddique of United Nations ESCAP. The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization, established in 2001 by the United Nations. It tackles one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policies. Since the first WUF held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002, the forum has been hosted around the globe. This year, WUF12 will take place in Cairo, Egypt, where tens of thousands of representatives from national, regional, and local governments, as well as academics, business leaders, community advocates, urban planners, and civil society, are expected to attend. You can watch it from anywhere digitally! Join us from 9am-10:30am Cairo Time Nov 8 here: https://lnkd.in/epUMKEYR Learn how digital transformation is impacting urban policy—this is a must-attend event for anyone involved in shaping the future of cities. Don’t miss out!

Had such a successful recent trip to Munich, Bavaria. It gave rise to an inspirational and productive experience characterized by dynamic discussions and bilateral diplomatic relations. The visit included a series of engaging conversations with Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary Dr. Patricia Gruber, alongside staff from US Consulate General Munich and US-Botschaft as well as Anna Kopp , CIO/Director at Microsoft Germany Digital Germany Netherlands at Microsoft Deutschland GmbH. We also had the opportunity to visit the Fraunhofer IIS, where we explored innovative pathways for collaboration in both pre-competitive research and international affairs. The discussions during this visit have set the stage for potential future initiatives. One of the trip's highlights was our engagement with the team at UnternehmerTUM MakerSpace GmbH, where creativity and technology converge to foster entrepreneurship in science. The insights gained from this experience were invaluable and have spurred ideas for approaching projects. In addition, our tour of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft EMFT provided insight into cutting edge microsystems and sensor technology that are key to the creation of the next generation biotech solutions. Collaborative efforts in the biotechnology space were established through the enriching exchange of ideas at the IZB - Innovation and Start-up Center Biotechnology with Christian Gnam and the BioM Biotech Cluster Development GmbH team. We enjoyed our visit to the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition during which we had a very stimulating conversation with Professor Dietmar Harhoff on relations between science and entrepreneurship as applied to current international research initiatives. Many thanks to all participants for great conversations throughout this visit. The scope and potential of partnership and ideas in these discussions reiterates the U.S. Department of State's commitment to science and innovation in our foreign policy.

You are invited to join us on Zoom October 31st at 11:00 AM (MST) for the University of Arizona Science Policy & Diplomacy 2024 Distinguished Speakers Series featuring Dr. Patricia Gruber presenting “Global Synergy: Advancing Diplomacy through Science and Technology.”! This annual series features world-renowned experts in science policy and diplomacy, providing a unique platform for scholars, scientists, policy-makers, and students to explore the intersection of these critical fields. Each session includes a lecture followed by a moderated Q&A, held virtually via Zoom. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with leaders, from university professors to industry entrepreneurs and science diplomacy experts. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dn6EyuQV Don't miss Dr. Patricia Gruber’s insights on how science shapes global diplomacy!?

Two weeks ago, the OECD is convened the Global Forum on Technology, or GFTech.?The GFTech was founded in 2022, in part with the support from the United States. So what exactly is the GFTech??It’s a forum that brings together leading technologists and forward-thinking policymakers to address the uncertainties of cutting-edge technologies. With a focus on democracy and human rights, GFTech aims to develop people-centric solutions that uphold shared values.?By promoting international cooperation and integrating diverse stakeholder insights, the forum serves as a unique platform for thought-provoking dialogue on the future of technology. So who attends??The GFTech engages both OECD members and non-members, with 33 OECD countries and 20 non-members attending this year's session.?Participants include representatives from industry, trade unions, academia, civil society, and technical communities.?With a focus on immersive technologies, quantum technologies, and synthetic biology, the forum seeks to promote responsible, values-based and rights-oriented technology, support sustainable development and resilient societies, and bridge digital and technological divides. And what’s the purpose of the forum??The goals of the GFTech include fostering strategic, evidence-based dialogue, identifying gaps in current frameworks, exploring emerging policy challenges, and sharing best practices to build trust and coherent approaches based on mutual interests and democratic values. Dr. Patricia Gruber, the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, led the U.S. delegation to the GFTech.?She took a few minutes to talk about this important forum and the reasons for U.S. participation.

? Attention People Interested in Career Opportunities in Science + Foreign Policy ? The U.S. State Department Paid Internship application opened yesterday and will close on October 7 (or after 4,000 applications). We encourage students interested in Foreign Policy to apply (and for science minded folks to pick STAS)! Read more about U.S. Department of State Paid Student Internship Program – Summer 2025 at https://lnkd.in/eGkN59tY

We were so glad to attend and support the Women in Science and Security Initiative, a vital working group within CRDF Global that focuses on empowering #WomenInSTEM and CBRNE security fields. This initiative was dedicated to enhancing access to professional development opportunities and establishing robust regional peer networks, all while connecting women with mentors from both regional and international platforms. During the event, Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary Dr. Patricia Gruber delivered keynote remarks at CRDF Global's “Breaking Barriers: Women in Science & Security.” In her remarks, she shared her personal experiences and career journey in the STEM field, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced, the lack of representation in the workforce, and the current policies and State Department initiatives addressing gender disparities in STEM. She also offered valuable career advice for all attendees. This event also coincides with ten years since the original “Breaking Barriers” report was released! It was great to share the stage with other skillful panelists who shared insights from their experiences, highlighting the importance of aiming for higher positions, developing emotional intelligence, and expanding networks. As we fostered opportunities for women in science and security, we emphasized enhancing mutual support through alumni networks. Breaking Barriers 2024 showcased an impressive lineup of speakers: https://lnkd.in/gkqd4iU6 Dr. Patricia Gruber delivered the Keynote Address Ljubica (Pendaroska) Krstevska discussed Women’s Leadership across Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Sherri Goodman spoke on Women Driving Environmental and Climate Security Sylvia Mishra highlighted Global Champions: Women Leading Nonproliferation and Conflict Resolution Dr. Michelle Rozo discussed Biosecurity: Women as Driving Forces of Change Dr. Vivian Roza presented on Women's Leadership in Global Governance and Policymaking So great to come together to discuss Women in STEM with these celebrated women in such crucial areas! Our engagement in these meaningful discussions was both collaborative and enriching.

International collaboration drives innovation! The Office of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary brings together scientific and policymaking communities to facilitate meaningful dialogues on science and technology. Science and Technology Adviser Dr. Patricia Gruber recently joined the 8th US-Japan Digital Innovation Hub and Advanced Technology Workshop, held on September 11-12, 2024, at The Ohio State University (Ohio State Research, Innovation and Knowledge). This event fostered meaningful discussions between business, government, and academia in the US and Japan. Panelists spoke on four main topics: Quantum Computing and Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Space Exploration. It was STAS's great pleasure to engage with so many stakeholders across different fields to explore how our cooperation can form the foundations for scientific and technical excellence. “Our modern society is largely a product of international collaboration. To that end, the United States has launched two new initiatives to incentivize and increase STEM exchanges as part of the White House goal to advance STEM talent. First, our Academic Training STEM Extension program under the J-visa category brings international bachelors and master's students in STEM fields to the U.S. (https://lnkd.in/eucuFchg) Second is our Early Career STEM Research Initiative, which connects U.S. STEM businesses and research institutions with exchange visitors seeking STEM training and research experience.” (https://lnkd.in/drYdM39w) -Dr. Patricia Gruber, Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State

Shout out to NASEM Fellowships and Grants Fellow Christine Payne, pictured on the far right. Dr. Payne is in ISN's Office of Critical Technology Protection overseeing our research security and biotechnology portfolios. She is a professor of mechanical engineering, materials science, and chemistry at Duke University Pratt School of Engineering. A great asset to the team, she works side by side with our policy experts on our mission to protect critical and emerging technology.

It was an honor to meet with Secretary Blinken on Friday alongside the 2023-2024 NASEM Jefferson Science Fellows (NASEM Fellowships and Grants) to discuss their experiences and the importance of Science and Technology at the U.S. Department of State. Our fellows come from many educational and academic backgrounds and have contributed to the Department this year in key ways: from reinforcing our critical technology protections, to helping feed the world, negotiating climate accords, leading subnational diplomacy efforts, and even revolutionizing our training. We are grateful for their service to their country.? ? If you are interested in exploring Fellowship opportunities, visit our website to explore the professional fellowship programs and see what options might be available and what could be right for you:

Jacqueline Santos was one of the wonderful interns in the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary last year and she attended our Minority Serving Institutions Conference this past Friday! The State Department hosted hundreds of job seekers and students, connecting them with representatives of various State Department bureaus, including leadership from our office! Participants also heard from Secretary Blinken and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, about the importance of diversity in U.S. foreign policy. Jacqueline was a great intern in our office who was able to make real contributions to U.S. foreign policy during her time at the Department. We were so glad to connect with her again! If you are interested in learning about the Department’s various student programs, visit our website to learn more:?https://lnkd.in/e2wV6_by