NATO Science for Peace and Security - Funding opportunities - Activities funded by NATO

Page Updated: 07-Jun-2011

SPS Key Priorities

Topics of Activities Funded by NATO

Activities funded under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme must address the SPS Key Priorities.

The 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 Categories A and B. Category C addresses 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 Programme.

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
	A.2.a	Defensible methods of transport of fuel, supplies, and personnel.
	A.2.b	Medical countermeasures for non-CBRN terrorist attacks.
	A.2.c	Explosives detection.
	A.2.d	Computer terrorism countermeasures and cyber defence (i.e. the defence of Communication and Information Systems (CIS)). Computer network exploitation by terrorists.
	A.2.e	Study of human factors in defence against terrorism.
	A.2.f	Border and port security (technology, systems approach and data fusion, intelligent borders, counter-proliferation).
	A.3.	Defence against CBRN agents as follows:
	A.3.a	Novel methods of detecting CBRN agents; protecting against CBRN agents; and diagnosing the effects of CBRN agents on organisms.
	A.3.b	Decontamination, destruction, and disposal of CBRN agents; as well as medical countermeasures and containment technologies for CBRN agents.
	A.3.c	Decontamination of food processing facilities after CBRN attack.
	A.3.d	Risk management strategies which minimise public contact with agents; and other recovery activities.
	A.4.	Countering other threats to security as follows:
	A.4.a	Energy security
	A.4.b	Security-related advanced technology (nanotechnology, optical technology, micro satellites, metallurgy).
	A.4.c	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.
	A.4.d	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:
	B.1.a	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).
	B.1.b	Food security in times of combat.
	B.1.c	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:
	C.1.a	Modelling sustainable consumption (e.g. food, energy, materials, fiscal measures and environmental costing).
	C.1.b	Food security in times of natural disaster or other non-CBRN events.
	C.1.c	Security-related regional studies involving three or more neighbouring partners.
	C.1.d	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.

Priorities under the NATO Russia Council Committee on Science for Peace and Security (NRC/SPS) can be found here.