Remarks at the George Brown Award Ceremony

I am truly happy to be celebrating this occasion with Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CDRF). I worked with them in the early 90’s as we sought to denuclearize post-Soviet states like Kazakhstan and find employment for former weapons scientists. My supervisor at that time was Ambassador Jim Collins, who is with us this evening.

 In this group I know it is safe to assert the importance of science for diplomacy. In making this assertion, I should also make a disclaimer, I am not a bench scientist or principal investigator. In fact, my training was in what Thomas Carlyle called "The Dismal Science", economics.

To some, science and diplomacy seem to make strange bedfellows. However, we at the Department of State understand the links. Science, technology and engineering can improve the lives of people around the world and build bridges between the U.S. and foreign societies.

First, to address global issues such as avian flu, global warming and clean air, which know no international boundaries, scientists from around the world must work together regardless of their national affiliation.

The State Department, and in particular the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science (OES), in which I serve, promotes transformational diplomacy through advancing environmental stewardship, encouraging economic growth through cooperative science activity, and promoting health or fighting disease around the globe . Transformational diplomacy fosters a safer, more secure and hopeful world. Therefore I can safely disagree with the sage who said, "Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way."

Second, Science and technology are a critical component of "soft power," the ability to bring international collaborators together regardless of nationality or political leanings. Whether it’s discovering life saving vaccines, developing new technologies to clean polluted rivers or even images from the Hubble telescope, Americans are committed to sharing such advances with the global community.

Third, science, technology and engineering facilitate diplomacy because they open new doors and create opportunities for all. Dr. Tucker’s work to save lives and reduce injury caused by earthquakes is a prime example of this kind of positive contribution. The State Department’s Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning system initiative is another example.

Another is the Iraqi Virtual Science Library, created by the U.S. Departments of State and Defense in partnership with the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and other non-governmental organizations such as the Civilian Research and Development Foundation.

This virtual library, which is now managed for us by CRDF, has given Iraqis access to the international science community through primary source documents and research papers in many fields of cross cutting science; technology and engineering research. In so doing, we have enhanced Iraq’s science and technology capacity as the country moves towards economic sustainability.

Fourth, these models of collaboration facilitate diplomacy. The goodwill generated by working with foreign officials on S&T opens the door for discussing more contentious issues such as human rights and the role of women in society.

In February, Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky, held a conference in Kuwait on "Muslim Women in Science." It was an outstanding success. Now, in cooperation with our colleagues in the Bureau for exchanges, we are investigating a follow-up program.

A fifth aspect of international collaboration is sustainable development. All countries need science research and technical innovation to stay on the cutting edge of innovation and industry. Rich and developing countries alike use science and technology to increase agricultural yields, stop devastating diseases and ensure sustainable access to water.

This coming March 4-6, the State Department will host a major ministerial conference on renewable energy. Through the cooperation of the Departments of Agriculture and Energy, particularly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we will try to map out how R+D can help poorer nations get on a path to sustainable development.

Like Dr. Lerman , we here at the Department of State understand what science can do for diplomacy. We advocate for an enhanced role for science, technology and engineering in international relations and recognize its potential to promote the freedom and dignity of people around the world.

CRDF has been a powerful ally in this respect.  CRDF’s vision is to promote peace and prosperity through international science collaboration. This sounds similar to OES’s mission - to promote transformational diplomacy through advancing environmental stewardship, encouraging economic growth, and promoting social development around the globe to foster a safer, more secure and hopeful world.

CRDF believes that it is the responsibility of science to continue playing a pivotal role in addressing these issues—particularly through international collaborative partnerships. CRDF understands that science has the power to improve lives, bridge cultures, and make real progress toward peace and prosperity.

Since 1995, CRDF has helped bridge the gap between the East and West; reunited those isolated by the politics of their lands to an international community of colleagues; helped businesses remain globally competitive; and focused bright minds on common regional and international issues irrespective of difference.

Crucial to CRDF’s mission is the promotion of international scientific cooperation. Such collaborations strengthen the quality of foreign research, provide opportunities for junior researchers and female scientists support the redirection of former weapons scientists to civilian research, and establish the background of knowledge and technology on which successful and profitable industry and business partnerships may be built.

As one government report after World War II noted, "We are not dealing simply with a military or scientific problem but with a problem in statecraft and the ways of the human spirit."

Through CRDF and collaborations with American scientists, foreign scientists are introduced to the merit-based review process and gain familiarity with Western research models and interdisciplinary research. American scientists benefit from the unique expertise of their foreign counterparts and CRDF's project support. CRDF is becoming more active globally with work in the Middle East and North Africa region for example.  

In 2005, CRDF’s Nonproliferation team expanded its work in the Middle East and North Africa during the year, responding to the needs of the Department of State’s offices responsible for nonproliferation activities related to Iraq and Libya. CDRF continued its efforts by extending work outside Eurasia to additional regions such as the Balkans and to new modes of cooperation in countries like Estonia, where they had already begun work.

CRDF extended their expertise into Iraq, where scientific infrastructure has been demolished and where thousands of bright minds seek to reconnect with the international scientific community.

The CRDF George Brown Award recognizes individuals for their work to promote cross-border science collaboration, in the spirit of the late U.S. Congressman George Brown. A former chairman of the House Science Committee, Mr. Brown, was known as a champion for science. He used his position to support space exploration and scientific research.

Congressman Brown left behind a deep and expansive legacy that has shaped science and science policy in America. Among some of his many accomplishments as Chair of the House Science Committee: He established the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Environmental Protection Agency.

On behalf of the State Department I would like to thank recipients for their work. Dr. Tucker’s dedication and tireless work to save lives and reduce injury caused by earthquakes has also brought together an array of scientists, engineers, artisans, government officials and local experts from around the globe.

For over sixteen years, Dr. Tucker has created exhibits, organized workshops and symposia around the world, printed multilingual reports and written/edited three books to raise awareness of the geologic threats to communities from Tajikistan, Nepal to Ecuador. Beyond education, he has drafted earthquake mitigation plans and has supported mason training and the retrofitting of schools to leave a long-term legacy of preparation, mitigation and sustainability.

Dr. Lerman is a peace activist, especially with regards to championing scientific freedom and human rights around the world. She works tirelessly with human rights organizations to assist scientists in trouble. Dr. Lerman believes that together leaders in the scientific community can create a global understanding that will ultimately persuade political leaders to find diplomatic solutions in their pursuit of world peace.

Additionally, she won numerous awards for her innovative pedagogy, including the 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. She developed an innovative approach of teaching science to non-science majors, which has received national and international recognition. Dr. Lerman believes that free and equal access to science education is a basic human right that belongs to all.

In closing, I would like to thank CRDF for having been and remaining one of our strongest NGO partners for science and engineering cooperation. Thank you for listening.