Global Evaluation of Scientific Collaborations and Peacebuilding

Why have some instances of scientific collaboration (medical, technological, etc.) transformed themselves into noteworthy Track-Two diplomatic efforts? What is the active ingredient in past successful (and failed) initiatives to involve scientists and technologists in peacebuilding activity?  To answer these questions, the Center of Innovation for Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding is proposing the evaluation of select scientific and technical collaborations to identify these active ingredients for inclusion in future collaboration projects.

The Center has begun discussions with three entities (American Association for Advancement of Science, Citizens Research Defense Foundation, and the National Academies of Science and Engineering) to provide the scientific and technical expertise needed to accompany our own expertise in peacebuilding.  On the resource and funding side, we’ve met recently with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction, which manages several Scientist Engagement Programs.