NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The Science for Peace and Security Programme

The Science for Peace and Security Programme, or SPS, is a policy tool for enhancing cooperation and dialogue with all partners, based on civil science and innovation, to contribute to the Alliance’s core goals and to address the priority areas for dialogue and cooperation identified in the new partnership policy.

• How does the SPS Programme work?

  The SPS Programme supports collaboration between scientists and experts from NATO and partner countries that are associated with the Alliance through the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and NATO-Ukraine. An additional NATO-Russia cooperative programme is carried out under the NATO-Russia Council (NRC(SPS) Committee).

  The SPS Programme funds collaborative activities on topics that are relevant to NATO’s strategic objectives. Support is given for multi-year projects, technical workshops and training courses.

• SPS key priorities

  SPS Key Priorities listed below were approved in March 2010. In assessing and selecting projects and activities proposed under these headings, emphasis will be placed on the priorities identified in the New Strategic Concept adopted by Heads of State and government in Lisbon in November 2010.

  Under the SPS Programme, scientists and experts can apply for funds to conduct activities (technical workshops, training courses, and multi-year projects) addressing the SPS Key priorities as given below under category A and B. Category C is addressing Nationally Funded Activities. Under category D all other security-related topics may be considered for funding on an exceptional basis and in close consultation with the NATO SPS Section.

  Information on eligibility is available at: www.nato.int/science, under “Funding Opportunities” –> “Who can apply for a NATO grant?”

  When applying, reference to the addressed priority(ies) should be given directly on the application form. It should be noted that there is no ranking within the categories.

  Category A - Projects proposed within this category may receive funding from the SPS budget.

  A.1. Projects in direct support of NATO operations and missions.

  A.2. Defence against terrorist threats as follows:

  1. Defensible methods of transport of fuel, supplies, and personnel.
  2. Medical countermeasures for non-CBRN terrorist attacks.
  3. Explosives detection.
  4. Computer terrorism countermeasures and cyber defence (i.e. the defence of Communication and Information Systems (CIS)). Computer network exploitation by terrorists.
  5. Study of human factors in defence against terrorism.
  6. Border and port security (technology, systems approach and data fusion, intelligent borders, counter-proliferation).

  
  A.3. Defence against CBRN agents as follows:

  1. Novel methods of detecting CBRN agents; protecting against CBRN agents; and diagnosing the effects of CBRN agents on organisms.
  2. Decontamination, destruction, and disposal of CBRN agents; as well as medical countermeasures and containment technologies for CBRN agents.
  3. Decontamination of food processing facilities after CBRN attack.
  4. Risk management strategies which minimise public contact with agents; and other recovery activities.

  
  A.4. Countering other threats to security as follows:

  1. Energy security.
  2. Security-related advanced technology (nanotechnology, optical technology, micro satellites, metallurgy).
  3. Defence-related environmental issues. Environmental security (management of water and non-renewable resources, desertification, land erosion, radioactive waste/tailings, sustainable development, disposal of dangerous chemicals and pesticides). Eco-terrorism countermeasures. Disaster forecast and prevention of natural catastrophes.
  4. Landmine and Unexploded Ordnance Detection and Clearance Technologies.

  
  Category B - Projects proposed within this category may only receive funding from the SPS budget if the International Staff determines that a sufficient number of appropriate-quality applications are not available in Category A.

  B.1. Countering other threats to security as follows:

  1. Human and societal dynamics (the causes, consequences and remedies for fragile and failed states; new challenges for global security; economic impact of terrorist actions; risk studies, topics in science policy).
  2. Food security in times of combat.
  3. Physical construction of Information Technology infrastructure.

  
  Category C - Projects proposed within this category should be nationally funded only.

  C.1. Countering other threats to security in the following areas:

  1. Modelling sustainable consumption (e.g. food, energy, materials, fiscal measures and environmental costing).
  2. Food security in times of natural disaster or other non-CBRN events.
  3. Security-related regional studies involving three or more neighbouring partners.
  4. Biotechnology/bioscience (infectious diseases, life sciences, medical science, agricultural science) not related to CBRN events.

  Category D - Any other Security-Related Activities: Any project related to a threat to security not otherwise defined in these priorities may be considered for funding.

• Examples of SPS activities

  For the latest news and updates on SPS activities click here!

• Political and Partnership Committee (PPC) and Independent Scientific Evaluation Group (ISEG)

  Strategic and political guidance for the SPS Programme is provided by the Political and Partnership Committee (PPC), which has replaced the SPS Committee. The PPC determines, on an annual basis, the work programme for the SPS. This includes a set of priorities consistent with the common security challenges identified in NATO’s Strategic Concept and in line with the Alliance Partnership Policy. The PPC also gives the final approval on the selection of projects recommended after scientific evaluation by an independent group of scientific experts (ISEG). The PPC is regularly informed of progress on the SPS programme activities. In order to keep Partners informed and closely involved in the SPS Programme, a PPC meeting with Partners will be organized once a year.

  The role of the ISEG

  The ISEG has seven primary functions:

  • Provide scientific and technical advice on applications for bottom-up SPS activities;
  • Evaluate (peer-review) and rank bottom-up applications by SPS KeyPriorities as set by the PPC;
  • Review bottom-up and top-down Science for Peace (SfP) project plans presented by applicants;
  • Review Nationally-Funded Activities;
  • Have an horizon scanning role at multi-disciplinary level;
  • Prepare and present reports to the PPC on the progress of the SPSactivities;
  • Initiate applications or develop plans for new top-down projects that respond to identified key priorities.

• How to apply for a grant?

  To be eligible for funding, you must be an expert in your particular field and a resident in a NATO, partner or Mediterranean Dialogue country with a mailing address and contact details in that country.

  An application is only eligible if submitted jointly by persons from at least:

  • One NATO and one partner country, or
  • One NATO and one Mediterranean Dialogue country.

  More detailed information on funding eligibility, notes for applicants and application forms can be found at www.nato.int/science.