Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Fall 2023
(08/24/23 – 12/11/23)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6141 | International Science and Technoogy Policy Cornerstone | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Tuesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6145 | U.S. Space Policy | Scott Pace | Meets every Thursday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6146 | Space Law | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Tuesday, 3:50pm-5:50pm |
| IAFF 6148 | Space and National Security | Pete Hays | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
| IAFF 6157 | ISTP Capstone Workshop | Otaviano Canuto and Rich Leshner | Meets Monday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Science Diplomacy | Anthony Eames | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Artificial Intelligence Policy Challenges | Carol Kuntz | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158/ECON 6255 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Economics of Technological Change | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
|
IAFF 3190 *Undergraduate course, shouldn’t be taken by graduate students. |
Space Policy | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 11:10am-12:25pm |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Global Privacy Summit 2023: A Student Perspective
In the spring of 2023, ISTP MA candidate Ashley Schuett attended the IAPP Global Privacy Summit and authored a student summary with analysis on the action and import of the summit:
The IAPP Global Privacy Summit: A Snapshot of Current Privacy Issues
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Global Privacy Summit was held in Washington, D.C., on April 4-5, 2023, and was attended by privacy professionals, policymakers, regulators, and academics from all over the world. I was able to attend thanks to a generous grant from ISTP.
The first thing that caught my attention was the commercialization of privacy. The event looked similar to any big tech conferences. Which contrasted with what I normally experience in settings that focus on the privacy of technology, a niche concern. Instead, there were many booths set up to sell products to help companies stay in compliance with new privacy legislation. Among other companies trying to sell privacy products.
Beyond the booth floor the conference provided an opportunity to discuss the most pressing privacy issues and concerns of today, including intimate privacy, enforcement, obstacles, AI governance, a cookie-less world, and data protection. This article will highlight some of the current conversations on these topics.
Intimate Privacy as a Moral and Legal Right
Danielle Citron, the author of “The Fight for Privacy: Protecting Dignity, Identity and Love in the Digital Age,” gave a compelling keynote making the case for intimate privacy as a civil and human right. She shared a story of a woman who was recorded in a hotel room, with those videos unknowing and without consent being posted online. The video went viral with her name, and she was unable to get it removed. Despite seeking help from law enforcement, they merely brushed it off, saying “Boys will be boys.” She also shared the story of a Russian site that offered to take it down in exchange for their own private show. Danielle argued that intimate privacy is a moral right and a civil right, which everyone should be able to enjoy as a legal right. Being a civil right would mean it cannot be traded away without a good reason. Danielle called for Congress to be involved in this matter and eliminate the legal shield that big tech corporations enjoy. Instead, these companies should be held responsible for protecting people’s intimate privacy.
Enforcement and Obstacles
The conference discussed the role of enforcement in protecting people’s privacy. Several cases were discussed on the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) website of best practices for deciding on cross-border cases. The obstacles that are being faced include administrative issues that require legal initiative. There is an expectation of a legislative proposal in the near future to address challenges such as timeline differences in different member states, administrative issues, and cooperation. This is to regulate how member states cooperate and provide additional regulation.
AI Governance in the US and EU
The conference also focused on AI governance in the US and EU. The AI Act was a topic of discussion, and the EDPB was critical of the act as it has limited applicability in today’s technological landscape. The AI Act applies to all member states and is directly applicable. However, it is hard to apply to general-use AI since it was originally written to apply to specific AI (e.g. facial recognition), not general AI (e.g. generative as like Chat-GPT). The conference discussed the AI Bill of Rights and how it is applicable to these new technologies.
Cookie-less World
The conference also focused on the cookie-less world and how the removal of cookies from browsers could be worse for people’s privacy. Specifically, the depreciation of cookies from Google’s Chrome browser was discussed, and it was noted that the technology is moving toward first party data. First part data would mean that Google would use the information that it collects on you, instead of the data that is bought from data brokers. App Tracking Transparency was discussed, and it was noted that it only applies to 3rd party data, not to first party data. This was important because of Apple’s iOS 14.5 update which created a system-level prompt allowing users to choose if an App on their phone was allowed to track them.
There are many issues with technology and privacy preservation that where highlighted. However, the US has still not passed a federal data privacy law. While there continues to be new legislation introduced it does not seem, at least in the US, that there will be protections for citizens data under the law. Instead, we are relying on the knock-on effects of the legislation that has been passed in the EU, with the EU issuing 1.65 billion euros in GDPR fines.
Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Spring 2023
(01/17/23 – 05/01/23)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6143 | Science and Technology Policy Analysis | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Monday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6146 | Space Law | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm |
| IAFF 6151 | Environmental Policy | Nina Kelsey | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6153 | Science, Technology, and National Security | Pete Hayes | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Issues in U.S. Space Policy: Tools and Scenarios | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Space Economics | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Thursday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158/PPPA 8167 | Doctoral Seminar | Scott Pace | Meets every Friday, 6:10pm-8:00pm |
|
IAFF 6158 |
Science, Technology and Global Statecraft | Aaron Bateman | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
|
IAFF 3179 *Undergraduate Course |
Space in International Affairs | John Klein | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:40pm |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
New Course Announcement: Spring 2023
PPPA 8197.80/ IAFF 6158.90 Seminar in Science and Technology Policy
Doctoral seminar on theory and practice in science and technology policy. Critical evaluations of current and historical foundations of science and technology policy. Application of analyses to policy questions and implementation of policy choices in selected fields related to science and technology policy. Prerequisites: The PPPA 8197.80 course is intended for TSPPPA PhD candidates in the S&T field prior to taking their field exams. MA candidates from who have completed the International Science and Technology Policy Cornerstone Seminar (IAFF 6141) may also take the course as IAFF 6158.90. Friday 6:10-8:00 pm, Spring 2023
Taught by ISTP/IISTP/SPI Director, Professor Scott Pace
Science Diplomacy on the Move
This summer’s Science Diplomacy course (IAFF 6158) took learning outside the classroom. Led by Professors Anthony Eames and Derya Karacan, students visited the Ronald Reagan Library Foundation and Dr. Florent Bernard, the science counselor of the EU Delegation to the US. The EU Delegation also returned the favor, stopping by the Elliott School to engage with the class. If you’re interested in Science Diplomacy, next year save a spot on your Summer class roster for the 2023 Science Diplomacy course!
On May 13, 2022 the Elliott School celebrates commencement. On behalf of the ISTP program, the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy, and the Space Policy Institute we wish our graduates congratulations and great success in the future!
The International Science and Technology Policy Program, with the support of the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy and the Space Policy Institute, are pleased to invite you to:
International Science and Technology Policy: Celebrating 50 Years
On March 30, 2022, the Elliott School’s International Science and Technology Policy (ISTP) program will celebrate its 50-year history with a full-day event. Featuring distinguished alumni and S&T experts, the event will examine the ISTP program’s legacy while exploring the future of S&T, across the globe. A celebratory reception will follow.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Morning Session: 10:00AM-12:30PM EDT
Afternoon Session: 2:00PM-3:30PM EDT
Keynote Address and Discussion: 4:00PM-5:15PM EDT
Reception: 5:15PM-7:00PM
The morning, afternoon, and keynote sessions will be presented in a hybrid format; we invite you to attend in-person at 1957 E ST NW, Washington, DC or join us live via Zoom. Please register for more information on how to access the event in-person or online.
View the morning session recording here.
View the afternoon session here.
As we celebrate 50 years of International Science and Technology Policy at GW, we remember decades of development and the people that made it all possible. Interested in the history of the International Science and Technology Policy program and the Institute?
Discover:
Science and Technology Policy at GW: a History
Save the Date: The Bromley Memorial Event, April 20, 2022
IISTP is pleased to announce this year’s Bromley Memorial Event will take place in the afternoon on April 20, 2022. The event will be held in Ottawa and will also be broadcast virtually. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
Students interested in participating?
If you’re an ISTP student and would like to participate in the conference, please indicate your interest by emailing Christine Gilbert at crgilbert@gwu.edu. Funding will be available to support travel for a limited number of participants.
Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Fall 2022
(08/29/22 – 12/12/22)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6141 | International Science and Technoogy Policy Cornerstone | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Tuesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6145 | U.S. Space Policy | Scott Pace | Meets every Thursday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6148 | Space and National Security | Pete Hays | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
| IAFF 6157 | ISTP Capstone Workshop | Otaviano Canuto and Rich Leshner | Meets Monday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Artificial Intelligence Policy Challenges | Carol Kuntz | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6152 | Energy Policy | Nina Kelsey | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158/ECON 6255 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Economics of Technological Change | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
|
IAFF 3190 *Undergraduate course, shouldn’t be taken by graduate students. |
Space Policy | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 11:10am-12:25pm |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Spring 2022
(01/10/22 – 04/25/22)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6143 | Science and Technology Policy Analysis | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Monday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6146 | Space Law | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm |
| IAFF 6151 | Environmental Policy | Nina Kelsey | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6153 | Science, Technology, and National Security | Pete Hayes | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Issues in U.S. Space Policy: Tools and Scenarios | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Space Economics | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Thursday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
|
IAFF 3180 *Undergraduate Course |
Space Power in Global Affairs | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday & Thursday, 11:10am – 12:25pm |
|
IAFF 3179 *Undergraduate Course |
Space in International Affairs | John Klein | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:40pm |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2021!
Please check out IISTP and ISTP program Director Nick Vonortas’ congratulatory remarks in this video.
Call for Volunteers
The 2021 Bromley Memorial
Part 1:
TALKS ON SELECTED OVERVIEW THEMES
April 15, 2021 | 1:30pm – 3:oopm EDT
Open to students from GWU, uOttawa and STGlobal participants only (Zoom Webinar)
Introduction to the Bromley event and its background: Professor Monica Gattinger and Professor Nicholas Vonortas
Talks and Panelists:
Canada S&T landscape and emerging Canada-US STI picture – Mr. Paul Dufour
US S&T landscape – Professor Nicholas Vonortas and GWU students
Energy Policy – Professor Monica Gattinger and Professor Nina Kelsey
Part 2:
STUDENTS WORKSHOP
April 15, 2021 | 3:10pm – 4:00pm EDT
Open to students from GWU and uOttawa (Zoom Meeting)
Small group discussion and networking opportunity
Part 3:
KEYNOTE SPEECH – BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING COMMUNITY: BROADENING PARTICIPATION @ SPEED & SCALE
Introduction to the Keynote Speech: Professor Monica Gattinger and Professor Nicholas Vonortas
Keynote Speaker: Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
Moderator: Jeff Kinder, Senior Fellow, ISSP and Executive Director, Institute on Governance
Student Discussants: Brennan Hoban, Masters Candidate in International Science and Technology Policy at George Washington University and Celeste Digiovanni, PhD Candidate in Environmental Geography at the University of Ottawa
Closing Remarks: Alyssa Ayres, Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University
STGlobal Conference 2021 Registration Now Open!
STGlobal is a graduate student-led consortium of professional and academic groups, organizing learning-centered events for early-career scholars and practitioners in the social and policy dimensions of science and technology. The International Science and Technology Policy graduate program is one of the principal sponsors of STGlobal. Key initiatives of the organization include a monthly webinar series and an annual conference, where graduate students have the opportunity to present their research.
In the past, this conference has been a great opportunity for students to present individual research papers (often written during ISTP coursework) as well as Capstone projects. It’s also an ideal opportunity to build your resumes and network with other graduate students and early-career professionals in the field of science and technology.
If you’d like to get involved, please visit the STGlobal website or participate in one of their monthly webinars.
Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Fall 2021
(08/31/21 – 12/12/21)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6141 | International Science and Technoogy Policy Cornerstone | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Tuesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6145 | U.S. Space Policy | Scott Pace | Meets every Thursday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6148 | Space and National Security | Pete Hayes | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
| IAFF 6152 | Energy Policy | Nina Kelsey | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Artificial Intelligence and Nonproliferation | Carol Kuntz | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
|
IAFF 6158/ECON 6255 |
Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy: Economics of Technological Change | Nicholas Vonortas | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
|
IAFF 3190 *Undergraduate Course |
Space Policy | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 11:10am-12:25pm |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
Interested in a week-long course on all aspects of nuclear security policy?
Don’t miss the 2021 GW Boot Camp on Nuclear Security Policy.
In partnership with the Nuclear Science and Security Consortium, the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy (IISTP) at GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs is pleased to announce the 3rd GW Boot Camp on Nuclear Security Policy. The 2021 Boot Camp will be held from June 14-18, 2021 and, this year, it will be delivered online. For more information, please visit our Boot Camp page.
Applications are currently being accpted on a rolling basis but we encourage candidates to submit their materials by April 26 to ensure full consideration of their candidacy. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available based on merit and diversity. Please visit our applications page for more information.
Interested in Careers in Science and Technology?
Then don’t miss this video where IISTP and ISTP Director Nicholas Vonortas discusses career paths and possibilities for current and future graduate students and young professionals.
Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Summer 2021
(05/17/21 – 08/07/21)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6158 | Science Diplomacy | Anthony Eames |
Meets every Tuesday and Thursday 05/17/21 – 06/26/21 |
| IAFF 6186 | Nuclear Proliferation and Nonproliferation | Doug Shaw |
Meets every Monday and Wednesday 06/28/21 – 08/07/21 |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
Interested in AI and Global Competitiveness?
The discussion explores new ideas on how to advance US AI competitiveness and features speakers Dr. Lynne Parker, Professor John Etchemendy, and Professor Ed Lazowska as well as moderator Sam Mulopulos.
Elliott School features Nick Vonortas’ and International Science and Technology Policy MA students Brennan Hoban’s and Connor Rabb’s work on Cybersecurity!
Read the feature online or download the PDF here.
What’s International Science and Technology Policy all about? Who can better speak to the question than former Assistant Director for Federal Research and Development and Senior Advisor to the Director for the National Science and Technology Council at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (and ISTP alum!) Kei Koizumi. Watchi his Bromley Event keynote lecture and Q&A to discover more.
Introducing: International Science and Technology Policy Faculty Course Offerings, Spring 2021
(01/11/21 – 04/26/21)
| Course Number | Course Title | Professor | Schedule |
| IAFF 6143 | Space Law | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm |
| IAFF 6151 | Environmental Policy | Nina Kelsey | Meets every Wednesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6153 | Science, Technology, and National Security | Pete Hayes | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Issues in U.S. Space Policy: Tools and Scenarios | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
| IAFF 6158 | Space Economics | Henry Hertzfeld | Meets every Thursday, 5:10pm-7:00pm |
|
IAFF 3180 *Undergraduate Course |
Space Power in Global Affairs | Scott Pace | Meets every Tuesday & Thursday, 11:10am – 12:25pm |
|
IAFF 3179 *Undergraduate Course |
Space in International Affairs | John Klein | Meets every Monday, 7:10pm-9:40pm |
For more details on these courses, please visit our academics page.
A Message from ISTP Director Nicholas Vonortas to the International Science and Technology Policy Program’s Class of 2020:
