Science, Technology and U.S. National Security: Engaging the Next Generation
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jolynn Shoemaker, WIIS/202.687.3366
June 21, 2007
Washington, DC – On Thursday, June 21, 2007, Women In International Security (WIIS), a global membership organization of over 1,500 professionals, launched a report with the support of The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation on Science, Technology and U.S. National Security: Engaging the Next Generation.
The report emanates from an expert consultation sponsored by WIIS which took place on March 26, 2007. The consultation aimed to identify the challenges facing young scientists and engineers interested in national security careers. In particular, the consultation focused on addressing the gender gap in science and engineering at the university-level and the subsequent underrepresentation of women specialists in national security positions.
Recognizing the need for greater attention and collaboration on fostering the next generation of science and technology experts in national security, the consultation produced a set of recommendations covering the following main themes: assessing the deficiencies in the science and technology talent pool; engaging with the next generation of science and technology experts in U.S. national security; and removing the barriers to women scientists and engineers.
The report will soon be made available in early July 2007 on the WIIS website at http://wiis.georgetown.edu. For print version copies, please contact Clare Belcher at wiisdevelopment@georgetown.edu.
About The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Grant
WIIS received a grant from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2002 to support the development of a Science, Technology and Security Initiative to address the disconnect between science and policy. Science, Technology and U.S. National Security: Engaging the Next Generation is part of a nationwide series to further the mission of this initiative. To learn more about the MacArthur Foundation Science, Technology, and Security Initiative, please visit, http://www.macfound.org.
About Women In International Security
WIIS is the premier non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to increasing the influence of women in foreign and defense affairs by raising their numbers and visibility, while enhancing dialogue on international security issues. WIIS offers a comprehensive set of programs designed to foster and promote women in all fields related to international security, and in a variety of sectors. WIIS is a part of the Center for Peace and Security Studies (CPASS) in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, located in Washington, DC. For additional information, please visit http://wiis.georgetown.edu.
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