NATO experts and researchers from across Spain gathered in Madrid on 13 September 2023 to explore opportunities for scientific cooperation under NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme. the Alliance. The Information Day, organized in cooperation with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation; the Ministry of Science and Innovation; and the Ministry of Defense, aimed at highlighting the achievements of the SPS projects in which Spain has participated and facilitating the launch of new research and development activities.
About 100 scientists participated in the information day organized at the Center for the Development of Technology and Innovation in Madrid, to discuss the remarkable results of more than 100 SPS activities over the last 40 years, which benefited from the contributions of Spanish researchers and the future direction of the SPS Program. The event included sessions hosted by SPS on how to develop successful project proposals, evaluation criteria and thematic areas of focus, and how to implement research and development activities focused on the results. In return, scientists shared first-hand accounts of their experience working on SPS projects. Discussions about their different personal stories, achievements and experiences in their areas of expertise led to new multidisciplinary ideas in areas of interest to the Alliance that could be pursued under upcoming SPS calls for proposals – including the next one will be launched in fall 2023 via the SPS website.
Among other topics, scientists presented progress and achievements in the field of emerging and disruptive technologies (EDT), such as efforts to increase the security of communications networks by connecting scientific communities currently researching different approaches to solving the problem. By finding ways to integrate post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD) approaches into a single solution, SPS-supported researchers are making progress toward increasing the ability to secure communications against intruders and eavesdropping. Other presentations highlighted the results of activities aimed at using advanced detection technologies to facilitate the detection of Improvised explosive devices (IED) by police and security providers, as well as to identify biological and chemical hazards using mobile laboratories.
Through its activities, the NATO SPS Program offers Spanish academics, experts and officials, as well as other NATO member and partner countries, the opportunity to develop innovative scientific project proposals. Participation in its activities helps build and expand international scientific networks and exchange knowledge on security-related topics. To stay informed about the latest opportunities offered by the SPS program, please subscribe to the SPS Bulletin.
