Over the next few weeks, we here at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies will be sharing 20 interesting facts and anecdotes that we've accumulated over the past two decades.

Our focus at the Institute revolves around S&T policy, national security, operational research, terrorism and asymmetry, S&T forecasting, emerging threats and opportunities, cybersecurity and neurotechnology and ethics. We identify and aggressively shepherd discussion on key science and technology issues facing our society. From these discussions and forums, we develop meaningful S&T policy options and ensure their implementation at the intersection of business and government.

While in the past 20 years we've welcomed new staff, published new papers, and created new centers, the one thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to bipartisan, objective and independent work in the field of science and technology policy. We’re currently preparing to release our next issue of our new technical publication (STEPS), have opened several new centers (RSEC and CAI) and have several books almost ready for final publication (AGMII and NATO: From Regional to Global Security Provider).

We hosted our Navigator Awards ceremony in October. Since 2001, the Potomac Institute has honored and celebrated those who have made significant contributions to furthering science and technology policy development in the United States. This nationally recognized ceremony presents awards to representatives of the executive branch, members of Congress, industry and academia in recognition of their distinguished contributions in the arena of S&T.

The Institute believes that honoring these individuals for their accomplishments is an effective method to ensure the continued understanding of S&T and its growing impacts on government and society. Previous winners include Elon Musk, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and former National Security Agency Director, LTG Keith Alexander.

We look forward to another 20 years serving our country through providing guidance in the world of science and technology policy and innovation. Here are some insights that will be featured:

• The Potomac Institute Press published a book on Usama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda just months before the 9/11 attacks
• Potomac Institute conducted an extensive study on WMD that was initiated by Chief Weapons Inspector and received by the sitting President in 2005
• Our Center For Emerging Threats and Opportunities (CETO) Devised the Combat Hunter Program
• In 2000, Congress authorized a partnership between the Potomac Institute and the United States Marine Corps
• Published Several Books on our Chairman, former Commandant, General Alfred Gray, USMC (Ret.)