Events
On March 20 the Center for Revolutionary Scientific Thought (CReST) hosted a Bold Ideas Seminar featuring the Honorable Zachary J. Lemnios. Potomac Institute CEO and Chairman, Michael Swetnam, introduced and gave a brief overview of the 2014 thrust areas for CReST. In the Hon. Lemnios' presentation he discussed how his career in government, especially at DARPA and as Director of Defense Research and Engineering, shaped his current career in the private sector. Specifically, he addressed the future of Information Technology and the different areas of computing that IBM is placing bets on.
Industries are moving to a new data economy that will be characterized by predictive analytics, all-source understanding, seamless global connectivity, speed, and agility. As head of IBM's network of global research laboratories the Hon. Lemnios mentioned launching major initiatives to develop systems of insight, cognitive computing, secure micro cloud, and managed data services. He highlighted recent investments with the New York Genome Center and in the Watson program. Lastly, he proffered a challenge to the audience to come up with Watson's next demonstration of intelligence.
CReST hosts seminars and conferences designed to find and foster big, bold science and technology ideas that address the most trying challenges facing our society. Notable scientists and technology thought leaders discuss their concepts in the Bold Ideas forum series to an invited audience of science and technology decision-makers in agencies and departments across the US Government, industry, and academia.
Read more: 3/20 CReST Bold Ideas Seminar “Leading the Next Era of Information Technology”
On Friday, March 21, members of the science and policy communities met to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in neuroscience data sharing as well as possible ways to advance data sharing going forward. Panelists included representatives from the neuroscience, industry, statistics, database, funding, and scientific journal communities.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/45123621
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/45129645
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/45132814
For almost 40 years Spain has been victimized by domestic ETA violence. In 2004, Al Qa’ida perpetrated a devastating terrorist attack in Madrid.
Ambassador Ramón Gil-Casares, Ambassador of Spain to the United States of America, discussed both the threats and responses, particularly focusing on Spain’s contributions to security concerns nationally and globally.
Video from the Feb. 7 event is available here:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/43545042
Security concerns at the Sochi Olympics are a just one facet of security issues globally, and the current events provide a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges and potential for the way ahead.
The Potomac Institute co-sponsored an event at the International Law Institute Feb. 20 titled “Olympics Security Lessons: From Munich to Sochi” to look at the many security challenges, including cyber and physical, as well as the legal framework through which to view the challenges.
Video of the event is available via C-Span:
http://www.c-span.org/video/?317907-1/security-olympics
It can also be viewed here:
www.ustream.tv/recorded/44250367
The 16th Annual Event On
“International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism:
Review of 2013 and Outlook for 2014”
PIPS
The year 2013 represents the most troubling security challenge since 9/11, with the largest number of terrorist attacks occurring across the world. The battle we are waging is generational, institutional, and unavoidable. Without more effective international cooperation the cost to the global community will continue to grow in 2014.
A panel of political, military, and academic experts analyzed last year’s lessons, assessed anticipated threats in 2014 and beyond, and offered strategic recommendations for the international community.
Video is available now: