February 2025 Newsletter
NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO)
The STO is the world’s largest collaborative research forum in the field of defence & security
Catch up on the latest news and upcoming events from the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO)
Launch of the NATO STO Women and Girls in Science 2025 challenge
The NATO STO Women and Girls in Science 2025 (WGS25) challenge aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by providing a platform for them to share innovative research ideas that impact global security and defence. Participants are invited to submit research proposals to solve an existing issue or emergent new threats in deterrence, energy, resilience, space and climate. The WGS25 challenge is open to young women who are university students (bachelor, master, PhD), early-career researchers, or interested in starting a career in STEM and/or security and defence. The deadline to submit applications is 11 March.
STO releases 2025 Collaborative Programme of Work Report
The 2025 Collaborative Programme of Work (CPoW) Report details more than 400 research activities conducted by the world’s largest defence-focused science and technology network. The CPoW ensures that NATO Nations and partners have access to cutting-edge research in cyber, space, biotechnology, autonomy, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, sensors, command and control, operational analysis, and more. With 438 activities underway at the start of 2025, the CPoW remains a key driver of scientific excellence, technological advancement, and defence innovation across NATO.
Combatting sexual harassment and violence in the military
Sexual harassment and violence remain pervasive problems across NATO militaries, with severe consequences on capability, unit morale, cohesion, and operational readiness. Such incidents can also affect physical and mental health, in some cases leading to PTSD and even suicide. NATO Nations have sought to address the issue, but they define and measure sexual violence in different ways. A team of NATO STO researchers is working to bridge this gap by developing common definitions for sexual harassment and violence, as well as a culturally sensitive instrument for gathering data on such incidents across NATO militaries.
Applications open: RAMI 2025 marine robotics competition
The NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is now accepting applications for the RAMI 2025 marine robotics competition for university students, to be held from 29 June-4 July in La Spezia, Italy. The competition aims to address inspection and maintenance tasks achieved by underwater robots in risky and/or hostile environments where human intervention is challenging or impossible, where direct link with an operator are not guaranteed, and where autonomous decisions are necessary to reduce operational time, ensure repeatability and maintain safety. If you are interested in competing, register online by 15 April.
STO holds annual Plans and Programmes Workshop
The NATO STO held its annual Plans and Programmes Workshop in Paris, France this month. Held under the theme “Science and Technology (S&T) for Impact”, the event brought together over 100 participants to explore the convergence of emerging and disruptive technologies, and the exploitation of S&T results for NATO’s benefit.
A psychological guide to support military leaders during deployment
A team of NATO STO researchers has compiled an updated psychological guide to help military leaders ensure the morale and resilience of service personnel throughout the deployment cycle. The guide aims to improve standardisation and interoperability, build a stronger knowledge base about psychological fitness, and contribute to a stronger fighting force across NATO Nations.
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