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Source: NATO
For the first time ever, a NATO AWACS mission sortie has been completed with an all-female aircrew. The flight, part of the Alliance’s enhanced vigilance activities, took place on Friday (9 February 2024), and was conducted by twenty-two servicewomen from 8 NATO Allies: Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal and the US.
Source: NATO
On 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, meet two researchers whose curiosity and love for the natural world inspired outstanding careers in bioengineering and biophotonics.
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Mandated by the United Nations, this day draws attention to the fact that – despite some progress – women are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) all over the world.
Outstanding researchers from NATO members and partner countries receive support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme to investigate and find solutions to emerging security challenges. In celebration of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, two award-winning scientists who find their inspiration in nature share their stories.
Dr Gozde Durmus
Driven by a curiosity about the natural world and a desire to solve complex problems, Dr Gozde Durmus is dedicating her career to scientific research. With a background in bioengineering, she has been recognised as one of the “Top Innovators Under 35” by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review. What she likes the most about science is “the freedom to explore and answer questions that I am curious about, and discover new knowledge, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and technology.”
Gozde’s expertise lies at the intersection of magnetics, nanotechnology and biomedicine. Her work focuses on developing advanced biomedical tools by creating innovative platforms that merge
engineering, biology, and microfluidics. In simpler terms, her work helps to find and understand rare cells or molecules by using magnets and tiny particles – a task as complicated as finding a needle in a haystack.
“I find immense satisfaction in the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of scientific research, as well as its potential to make meaningful impacts on society and serve patients,” says Gozde.
With support from NATO’s SPS Programme, Gozde is leading a new research project aimed at developing a smart device that combines advanced nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to detect harmful microorganisms in water and air. Such a tool could be used to tackle bacterial contamination and improve the detection of pathogens in water and air on an everyday basis. It could also play a crucial security role in rapidly responding to attacks using biological agents, and help save many lives. Her project brings together her team at Stanford University in the United States along with research groups at Ozyegin University in Türkiye, and at the University of Aberdeen campus in Qatar.
Dr Danica Pavlović
Love for nature also motivates Dr Danica Pavlović, one of the recipients of the 2020 L’Oréal-UNESCO national award ‘For Women in Science’. For Danica, being a scientist is a dream job that allows her to express her creativity and innovation.
“The charm of science is that it is dynamic, you are constantly faced with new challenges, and always learn something new.”
Danica’s research in the field of biophotonics (the study of how light interacts with biological systems) enables her to use various biology and physics methods to analyse and characterise different biological processes, structures, cells and tissues. Her work also explores biomaterials and their potential application in technology.
Recently, with support from NATO’s SPS Programme, she completed a research project that used elements from nature to enhance existing technologies. Specifically, she worked on the development of a low-cost, multispectral surveillance camera using butterfly wing scales as camera pixels. In November 2023, Danica presented a prototype of this device – whose performance has the potential to surpass most commercially available thermal cameras – directly to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Belgrade. This project was the result of collaboration between her team at the Institute of Physics in Belgrade (Serbia) and researchers at the Institute of Physics in Zagreb (Croatia).
How does the Science for Peace and Security Programme help?
The SPS Programme brings together academics, experts and officials from NATO and partner countries who jointly lead research and knowledge exchange activities. Proposals for new activities are assessed based on technical and scientific merit, paying attention to avoid any gender bias and welcoming women-led research and insights. Opportunities for cooperation are announced as calls for proposals on the SPS website. It is also possible to stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities offered by the SPS Programme by subscribing to the SPS newsletter.
Source: NATO
Are you an artist under 35? Do you have a creative mind and want your artwork to be displayed at a permanent location in Washington D.C. where NATO will mark the 75th anniversary of the Alliance? Submit your work to the NATO mural competition – an opportunity to showcase your talent and artistic vision of the future.
In January 2024, NATO unveiled its public mural, created by street artists in Vilnius, Lithuania to celebrate the summit held in the city in 2023 and symbolise NATO’s collective defence mission. Now, NATO is calling on young artists from across the Alliance to submit artwork featuring their interpretation of peace, security, unity and freedom for the celebration of the Alliance’s 75th anniversary. Top entries will be displayed at an exhibition at the 2024 NATO Summit venue in Washington D.C. and the winner will get to work with a local street artist to feature their mural permanently on a wall in the city.
The NATO mural competition will give young talents a chance to produce a signature image for NATO’s anniversary as part of its “Protect the Future” campaign.
Eligibility:
If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to the competition using the form below, where you will be able to submit your artwork (JPEG, PNG or PDF format) together with a brief description.
Following the deadline, all submissions will be evaluated by a panel of NATO officials. Top-rated entries will be contacted with further details.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 1 May 2024, 23:59 CEST.
Have a question? Send us an email to: campaigns@hq.nato.int
Source: NATO
On 8 February 2024, the NATO Military Committee visited Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) headquartered at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Belgium. The visit included discussions on the Special Operations Forces (SOF) domain and SOF contributions to NATO’s multi-domain operations that are flexible, tailorable, and adaptable to the diverse challenges across the Euro-Atlantic area.
SOFCOM Deputy Commander, Brigadier Neil Grant DSO MC, received the NATO and Invitee Military Representatives: “Today’s visit of the Military Committee highlights the strategic role of SOFCOM to proactively work with and through Allied and Partner SOF in peacetime, crisis and conflict to enable SACEUR and the Joint Force Commanders to defend every inch of the Alliance.” Throughout the morning, the NATO Military Committee received briefings on SOFCOM and the role of Allied and Partner SOF contributions to collective defence as high-end specialized assets with the ability to deliver strategic effects around NATO’s core cause to protect and defend each other.
SOFCOM serves as NATO’s SOF Theatre Component Command and plays a pivotal role in the deterrence and defence of the NATO Alliance. SOFCOM coheres NATO Special Operations Forces to deliver SOF effects for a rapidly evolving strategic environment by adapting, coordinating, enabling, and supporting the integration of multinational SOF, ensuring a 360-degree approach to the Alliance’s collective defence.
Admiral Bauer highlighted the role of SOFCOM and the critical expertise Allied SOF bring to the Alliance. “Special Operations Forces are uniquely equipped to expect the unexpected – by default, they are trained to be flexible, fast and independent. They have a small footprint, with high-level of precision. True professionals, who do not only possess exceptional physical and psychological endurance, but who are also complex problem-solvers with an ability for critical thinking, flexibility and strength”, said Admiral Bauer. “With the threats that the Alliance is now facing, such as hybrid conflict situations, counterterrorism operations and operations against irregular forces, Special Operations Forces help keep NATO strong and safe,” he underscored, emphasizing the importance of Special Operations Forces in maintaining NATO’s ability and capacity to address the diverse and evolving security challenges through their unique skills, adaptability, and expertise.
In the afternoon, the NATO Military Committee toured NATO Special Operations University located on Chievres Air Base, which provides training and education to enhance the development of capable, geographically oriented Allied and Partner SOF relationships and structures to achieve NATO objectives in peacetime, crisis, and conflict.
Source: NATO
On 29-31 January 2024, NATO headquarters welcomed the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP) Executive Committee for their annual Plenary Session, to discuss NATO’s priorities for the integration of the gender perspective and outline the NCGP’s work plan for the upcoming year.
The annual Plenary highlighted NATO’s priorities for the integration of the gender perspective and outlined the work delivered by the NCGP. The Executive Committee planned the agenda for its annual Conference, set to take place from 6-8 May 2024. Following this, the Chair introduced the Executive Committee to the NCGP’s programme of work highlighting key Lines of Effort to support the NCGP’s output as an advisory body to the Military Committee. Briefings from the wider gender community of interest including ACO GENAD, ACT GENAD and the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations concluded the first day.
The Executive Committee attended the Military Committee working group discussions on the NCGP Terms of Reference update, which will be the first revision of the NCGP’s framework since 2014, and the military advice for NATO’s updated Women, Peace and Security Policy, which was tasked to be updated after the Vilnius Summit. They then met with the Secretary General’s Special Representative (SGSR) for Women, Peace and Security, Ms Irene Fellin, to hear about her objectives ahead of the Washington Summit. They also coordinated on how the NCGP and the SGSR’s team can better support each other in the future.
Following recent elections for the NCGP Executive Committee, Lieutenant Colonel Rosa-Linda Lucchesi (ITA-AF) was selected to serve as the next Chair-Elect, while Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Lake (CAN-A), and Lieutenant Commander Nikolai Vibe (NOR-N) will serve as the Deputy Chairs to the current Chair of the Committee, Colonel Jane Male (USA-AF), and Deputy Chair, Major Caroline Berger (NLD-AF).
The NCGP is governed by an Executive Committee and supported by IMS GENAD. The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chair, the Chair-Elect, three Deputy Chairs and the IMS Gender Advisor, and must have at least one member of each gender. Both the Executive Committee and the Military Committee (NATO’s senior military authority) can task the NCGP on specific gender-related issues.
Each NATO member and partner nation is entitled to designate one active duty officer of senior rank (or civilian equivalent) as a delegate to the NCGP. Delegates should be familiar with the latest national developments in gender approaches and tools for gender mainstreaming. They should also have knowledge of NATO and national policies relating to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related Resolutions.
Source: NATO
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 11 February, the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) is proud to launch a challenge for female university students and early career researchers up to 30 years of age. The Women and Girls in Science 2024 challenge aims to inspire young women to pursue and/or further their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to highlight NATO’s support for women in STEM-related disciplines, and to contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of women in this field.
Who: The challenge is open to individual female university students (studying for their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD) and early career researchers up to 30 years of age from NATO member countries and Sweden.
What: Participants must submit a short research proposal of up to 1,300 words, addressing one of the following NATO Science and Technology (S&T) focus areas:
The research proposal should be guided by the following question: What research idea would you like to see NATO realise over the next five years?
The proposals should aim to solve an existing issue, or prevent the evolution of a new problem for international security.
When: Beginning on 8 February 2024, in celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the call for proposals will close on 21 April 2024, 23:59 CET.
Where: Shortlisted participants will present their recommendations in person at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 30 May 2024.
Selection: NATO STO experts will select up to 12 applications based on criteria including novelty, relevance, coherence, feasibility and potential positive impact on society. The young women who submitted these applications will be invited to an event at NATO Headquarters on 30 May 2024 for the final phase of the challenge, where they will have 10 minutes to present their idea to an audience of STO experts and other NATO staff, followed by a five-minute Q&A session. A panel of experts will then select three overall winners.
Award: The three winners will get to visit the NATO laboratory at the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy, in the summer of 2024.
How to apply: To take part in the challenge, fill out the Google application form in English. The submission should explain a visionary idea in 1,300 words or less.
Any inquires may be directed to mbx.sto@HQ.NATO.INT.
Source: NATO
National Security Advisers from all NATO Allies and invitee Sweden met in Brussels on Wednesday (7 February 2024) to discuss preparations for the Washington Summit in July, including continued support to Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence, and the growing challenges posed by China.
The Secretary General highlighted that both Europe and North America are making critical contributions to preserve Ukraine’s freedom, and that support to Ukraine is in the security interest of Allies. “A Russian victory would weaken us and embolden not just Moscow, but also China, Iran, and North Korea,” he said, adding that support to Ukraine “is not charity. It is in our own security interest.”
The Secretary General underlined that in a visit to Washington, D.C. last week, he heard “strong support for Ukraine from Congressional leaders – both Republicans and Democrats”. He added: “The debate continues in Washington on funding for a number of important priorities. It is vital that the United States Congress agrees on continued support for Ukraine in the near future, and I count on all Allies to sustain their commitment.”
Mr Stoltenberg also underlined measures to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. Since last July, NATO has agreed industry deals worth 10 billion dollars for ammunition, “including 5.5 billion dollars for 1,000 more Patriot air defence missiles just last month. A deal that will build more production capacity in Europe for this vital capability,” said the Secretary General.
On strengthening global partnerships, the Secretary General stressed that “our competitors are increasingly joining forces and Russia’s increasing cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea raises serious concerns. So it is even more important that NATO is working more closely with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.”
The National Security Advisors also condemned Iran’s destabilising role throughout the Middle East. “Attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria against U.S. forces are unacceptable. Iran must rein in its proxies,” Mr Stoltenberg said.
Source: NATO
Good afternoon.
I have just chaired a meeting of National Security Advisers from all NATO Allies.
And I am glad to be joined today by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Jake, it is good to see you again,
Just after we last met in Washington last week.
In our meeting today, NATO Allies discussed our preparations for the Washington Summit in July.
Including Ukraine;
Deterrence and defence;
And the growing challenge posed by China.
Today, Allies reiterated their support for Ukraine.
This is not charity.
It is in our own security interest.
A Russian victory would weaken us,
And embolden not just Moscow,
But also China, Iran, and North Korea.
That matters for Europe’s security.
And it matters for America’s security.
By spending a fraction of our military budgets,
We have helped Ukraine to destroy a substantial part of Russia’s combat capacity.
Our support is also an example of true transatlantic burden sharing.
Where both Europe and North America are making critical contributions to preserve Ukraine’s freedom.
Last week in Washington, I heard strong support for Ukraine from Congressional leaders – both Republicans and Democrats.
The debate continues in Washington on funding for a number of important priorities.
It is vital that the United States Congress agrees on continued support for Ukraine in the near future.
And I count on all Allies to sustain their commitment.
Today, we also discussed further bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defence.
At the Summit, we will demonstrate that we are delivering on our commitments.
Including by fully resourcing our new defence plans,
Investing in new capabilities,
And accelerating efforts to strengthen our transatlantic defence industrial base.
Since last July, NATO has agreed industry deals worth some 10 billion US dollars for ammunition.
Including 5.5 billion dollars for 1,000 more Patriot air defence missiles just last month.
A deal that will build more production capacity in Europe for this vital capability.
The world has become more dangerous.
But NATO has become stronger.
With more forces,
Higher readiness,
And increased defence investment.
We can never take peace for granted.
But we do not see any imminent threats against any NATO Ally.
NATO is now holding Steadfast Defender – our biggest military exercise in decades.
Our exercise demonstrates that there should be no room for miscalculation in Moscow about NATO’s readiness and resolve to protect all Allies.
In our meetings today, we also addressed the growing challenge posed by China.
Our competitors are increasingly joining forces.
And Russia’s increasing cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea raises serious concerns.
So it is even more important that NATO is working more closely with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
Today, we also condemned Iran’s destabilising role throughout the Middle East,
Including its support for terror groups that attack Allied forces and civilian shipping.
Attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria against U.S. forces are unacceptable.
Iran must rein in its proxies.
So dear Jake,
Thank you again for your strong personal commitment to our Alliance.
And for the extraordinary leadership of the United States and President Biden as we face global challenges.
Together in NATO, we will continue to protect our nations, our people and our values.
And we all look forward to the Summit in Washington.
So, please.
Source: NATO
From 31st January to 2nd February 2024, the Interallied Confederation of Medical Reserve Officers (CIOMR) organised their Mid-Winter meeting at NATO HQ, in Brussels. The meeting was not only a showcase of technological advancements; it was a testament to the Alliance’s commitment to embracing innovation for the betterment of allied military medical services. The overarching theme of the CIOMR Scientific Committee was the exploration of telemetry, AI, and ‘big data’ in enhancing military medical capabilities.
As the field of military medicine continues to evolve with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing operational capabilities, the work of the Scientific Committee, under the leadership of Surgeon Commander Stuart A. G. Roberts (UK) as Chair and Major Paul Dhillon (CAN) as Vice-Chair, sets a high standard in the field of military medicine. The recent Mid-Winter meeting of CIOMR marked a significant milestone, with the committee presenting and leading sessions focused on the integration of telemetry, artificial intelligence (AI), and ‘big data’ in military medicine.
The Scientific Committee’s work emphasized the transformative potential of these technologies in streamlining medical logistics, improving patient care, and facilitating real-time decision-making in the field. “The journey of integrating telemetry, AI, and big data into military medicine is just beginning, and the insights gained from this meeting will undoubtedly pave the way for further advancements. As we move forward, the focus will remain on harnessing these technologies to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and reach of military medical services, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of those who serve”, noted Surgeon Commander Roberts in his remarks.
The event, which for the first time saw Australia participating remotely, also brought together junior medical officers from the UK, USA, and France, through the CIOMR Junior Medical Reserve Officer Committee, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The participation of international partners such as Australia highlighted the global dimension of the committee’s efforts. This collaborative approach not only enriches the pool of knowledge and expertise but also ensures that the benefits of technological advancements in military medicine are shared widely across the NATO alliance and its partners.
The sessions underscored the committee’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance medical support in military operations. A highlight of the meeting was the augmented reality (AR) demonstration by the Kognitiv Spark Team, which showcased the potential of AR in transforming military medical training and field operations. The AR round robin featured three different scenarios centred on:
These demonstrations not only highlighted the practical applications of AR in military medicine but also underscored the importance of immersive technologies in training and operational support.
Source: NATO
On 6 February 2024, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, delivered a speech at the Leangkollen Security Conference in Oslo, Norway, emphasizing that NATO has entered a new era of collective defence.
Admiral Bauer said that we face the most dangerous world in decades as the rule-based international order is under unimaginable threat. The Admiral stipulated that the prevention of war should be a whole-of-society event, “if we prepare, we ramp up our resilience, we ramp up our deterrence, and we minimise the chance of an adversary ever attempting to start conflict”. He added that NATO has undergone unprecedented change at an unprecedented pace. A prime example is the Finnish and soon-to-be Swedish accession to the Alliance, which bolsters security on NATO’s Northern Flank.
Admiral Bauer noted that Exercise Steadfast Defender is now underway, the largest NATO exercise in decades, with approximately 90.000 forces from all 31 Allies and Sweden, aimed at testing the new defence plans of the Alliance. He emphasized that Steadfast Defender is one of many steps NATO is taking to ensure that the new defence plans are fully executable.
In his speech, Admiral Bauer also underlined the importance of Article 3 of the Washington Treaty, that every Ally must be able to defend itself. He said Article 5 can only be effective if Article 3 is firmly in place.
As NATO turns 75 this year, Admiral Bauer highlighted that throughout its history NATO has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to unite, adapt and protect. Underscoring that in this new era of collective defence, that ability is crucial: “At a time when global security threats are multiplying and our values are under attack, we need a shield against aggression more than ever”, he added.
Hosted by the Norwegian Atlantic Committee, the Leangkollen Security Conference brings together international and Norwegian researchers and senior officials to address defence, foreign, and security policy issues. The headline of this year’s conference was “NATO 75, Past, Present and Future.”
While in Olso, Admiral Rob Bauer also met with the Norwegian Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram and Norwegian military leadership. Admiral Bauer highlighted the important role Norway is playing in the North and the European High North as well as its contributions to reinforcing NATO’s Nordic defences. Next month, Norway will be hosting exercise Nordic Response, a part of Steadfast Defender 24, gathering over 20,000 soldiers from at least 14 countries, to train in northern Norway, Sweden and Finland, on land, in the air and at sea.