COVID-SPC Conference Summary
In late February and early March of 2023, the Institute on Science for Global Policy convened an internet-based ISGP Debate/Caucus Conference for the ISGP Program on “Foresight from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Science, Policy, Communication” (COVID-SPC). The three-day event focused the efforts of more than sixty distinguished subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers on debating critical infectious disease challenges as well as identifying broad Areas of Consensus (AoC) and specific Actionable Next Steps (ANS) for informing real-world decision-making. Seven invited Position Paper Authors presented and defended their evidence-based views on crucial aspects of infectious disease preparedness and response among more than sixty Debaters from throughout governmental, private sector, public advocacy, academic, and communication communities. Both Authors and Debaters were engaged collectively in plenary caucuses to identify AoC and ANS.Overarching Perspectives and Priorities Summary
This section provides the final Overarching Priorities and Perspectives (OPP), which represent concise ideas and concepts emerging from (i) GAP-COVID meetings, (iv) thematic analysis of the 300 interviews+; and (v) outcomes emerging from the debates and caucuses in the ISGP COVID-SPC Internet-Based Conference. The findings from each of these engagements with stakeholders and subject-matter experts representing governmental, private sector, and public advocacy communities worldwide are collectively reflected as OPP in full recognition that individual contributions reflect diverse, even conflicting, interpretations of credible scientific and technological understanding.- To combat infectious diseases and elevate scientific literacy throughout society, it is essential to improve public understanding and scientific literacy through (i) credible experimentation and analysis, (ii) critical peer reviews of research publications prior to public access, and (iii) ongoing regulatory evaluations and research informing public health strategies to mitigate fear and the spread of misinformation.
- The establishment of ongoing, collaborative relationships among political, economic, and cultural leaders and influencers is central to effectively fostering communication throughout diverse communities responding to public health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks. Communication models need to (i) utilize credible scientific interlocutors with trusted local and/or community messengers, (ii) convey messages in a manner that is tailored to respective communities, especially those that are underserved, (iii) emphasize the likelihood that routinely changing public health conditions require updated messaging, and (iv) ensure updated messaging accurately reflects a broad range of public health challenges beyond infectious diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, asthma).
- Early involvement of governmental, private sector, and public advocacy commitments to policies spanning local, regional, national, and global challenges require (i) sharing existing and emerging biomedical research and information (e.g., successes and failures), (ii) soliciting community-wide views and priorities, (iii) monitoring the degree of public acceptance of evidence-based information and advice, and (iv) establishing economic and licensing agreements consistent with the need to rapidly deploy vaccines, non-pharmaceutical options, and clinical trials.
- There is a need for continued research and deployment of pharmaceutical interventions based on scientifically credible evidence-based information that recognize the different stages of disease progression observed in diverse local, national, regional, and certainly across global populations.
- Pathways for regulatory decisions controlling the permitting of research, development, testing, approval for public use, and marketing guidelines of pharmaceutical products and therapeutic treatments need to be clearly delineated and easily accessible to biomedical researchers, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and the public writ large (e.g., regulatory expectations for Emergency Use Authorization).
- Current levels of travel and trade across national, regional, and international boundaries ensure that targeting selected geographical areas and/or limited population groups for attention is unlikely to protect public health against widely circulating disease vectors, therefore effective strategies intended to combat infectious disease outbreaks need to recognize fundamental global requirements
- Successful public health strategies need to proactively (i) acquire and maintain the large stockpiles of vaccines, medicines for therapeutic treatments, and medical supplies (e.g., diagnostic and testing kits, personal protection equipment, ventilators, etc.) and (ii) retain professional and/or standby cadres of trained medical and hospital staff at levels adequate to meet the emergency conditions reasonably anticipated during and after major infectious disease outbreaks. Reliance solely upon reactive strategies can be expected to result in widespread challenges in public health responses.
- The establishment of sustained funding to support rapidly evolving monitoring and research needed to address the serious challenges presented by existing and emerging infectious diseases is foundational for all public health strategies. Without initiatives to coordinate, restructure, and monitor research efforts undertaken by academic, national laboratories, state and local, and private sector stakeholders, there cannot be a reasonable expectation of successfully combating the myriad forms of infectious pathogens and disease expressions currently recognized worldwide.
- Strategic improvements in existing infectious disease surveillance programs need to incorporate legally accessible data within electronic health records (e.g., age, sex assigned at birth, ethnicity, race, demographic information, major health interventions, and outcomes) that may be linked to the evaluation of co-morbidities, mortality, and disease transmissibility factors.
COVID-SPC Topics and Position Papers
- Debate/Position Paper 1: Prioritizing Ongoing and Emerging Scientific Research Pertaining to Infectious Diseases
- Position Paper Author: COL Nelson Michael, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
- Debate/Position Paper 2: Optimizing the Effectiveness of Infectious Disease Surveillance Before, During, and Following Outbreaks
- Position Paper Author: Dr. Sunil Solomon, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Director, Center for Infectious Diseases in India, Johns Hopkins University
- Debate/Position Paper 3: Evaluating and Developing Therapeutic Options for Addressing Infectious Diseases
- Position Paper Author: Dr. Michael Kurilla, Director, Division of Clinical Innovation at National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health
- Debate/Position Paper 4: Examining Vaccine Development, Prioritization, and Use for Domestic and Global Prophylaxis
- Position Paper Author: Dr. Stephen Thomas, Professor, Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University
- Debate/Position Paper 5: Implementing Responsive Strategies Based on Diagnostic Insights
- Position Paper Author: Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director, American Public Health Association
- Debate/Position Paper 6: Optimizing Diverse, Evidence-based Messages and Identifying Broadly Trusted Societal Interlocutors to Convey Critical Public Health Information
- Position Paper Author: Dr. Cynthia Baur, Director, the University of Maryland Horowitz Center for Health Literacy; former Plain Language and Health Literacy Lead, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Debate/Position Paper 7: Examining the Societal Impacts of Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation and Developing Practical Approaches to Effectively Respond to the Consequences of Inaccurate Messaging on Infectious Diseases
- Position Paper Author: Ms. Renée DiResta, Technical Research Manager, Stanford Internet Observatory
Introduction: The often-dramatic advancements in science and technology that have characterized the outset of the 21st century are now important tools in confronting the transformational challenges posed by (i) changes in lifestyles caused by climate transformations, (ii) rapid evolutions of global energy systems, and (iii) impacts on human health caused by pandemic infectious diseases. These dynamic, disruptive challenges, among others, are reshaping geopolitical, security, and economic systems worldwide. Addressing these complex, interconnected, real-world challenges relies on the functioning of a reliable, stable energy system that encompasses environmentally compatible demands shaping our turbulent times. An accurate, critical evaluation of hydrogen energy is now essential.
ISGP-GPHEF Program: The program is designed to conduct this critical evaluation by engaging a wide range of stakeholders who are implementing different aspects of the hydrogen economy in multiple, integrated, in-person conferences. These invitation-only conferences, conducted under the Chatham House Rule (no attribution), use the unusual, if not unique, debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP to promote candid, productive debates and caucuses to identify areas of consensus (AoC), evidence-based options (EBO), and actionable next steps (ANS) focused on supporting real-world decisions. Effectively introducing a new global energy source (e.g., hydrogen) on the global stage depends on accurate analysis, critical debate, and comprehensive decision-making encompassing (i) emerging technology, (ii) real-world scalability, (iii) practical economic planning, and (iv) integrated policy options supporting realistic outcomes, all elements within the ISGP-GPHEF program structure. It is anticipated that the first ISGP-GPHEF conference will be convened in the spring of 2022.
GPHEF – Japan Program: Amid global energy transitions, established and emerging technological options are being evaluated, developed, and implemented to meet societal energy needs and address significant environmental changes being observed, and reasonably anticipated, throughout all global communities. Hydrogen energy technologies offer potentially important options for reducing global carbon emissions and addressing challenges faced by current global energy systems. The ISGP GPHEF program is a multi-year program that gathers subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers to assess the economic viability and environmental impacts associated with hydrogen energy production, storage, and usage. Focus is given to identifying realistic, scientifically credible, and broadly supported actionable next steps for incorporating hydrogen within global energy systems designed to enhance energy sustainability dependent on resilience, accessibility, and safety. These transitions need to be compatible with local, regional, national, and global decarbonization strategies. The rapid changes in environments place urgency on these decisions not historically encountered in the previous development of major technological transitions. The overall ISGP GPHEF program is developed in cooperation with energy systems stakeholders from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The invitation-only ISGP GPHEF-Japan Conference is the second conference of the ISGP GPHEF program, and is organized, convened, and facilitated by the ISGP in cooperation with and support from the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), the Clean Fuel Ammonia Association (CFAA), and the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A). The ISGP “Consultative Meeting”and “Critical Debate/Extended Caucus” format, pioneered under the leadership of Dr. George Atkinson, ISGP founder and Executive Director, has effectively addressed a wide range of societal challenges (scienceforglobalpolicy.org) The ISGP GPHEF-Japan program gathers distinguished leaders from government, private sector, and public advocacy communities worldwide to identify the needs and priorities, both individual and shared, of diverse communities to critique the potential roles that hydrogen energy may play in the future of sustainable energy systems.
The current transitions in the global energy system encompass production, transportation, and usage and have focused on how to integrate renewable energy sources while continuing to meet the immediate needs for energy historically derived from fossil fuels. The introduction of hydrogen energy has become a central topic in these transitions, and communities throughout the Asia-Pacific region are advancing the development and implementation of hydrogen technologies to meet their needs, reduce the environmental impacts of energy systems, and reduce reliance on imported fuels. The potential incorporation of hydrogen energy into the global energy system requires a comprehensive review and critical assessment examining how to integrate different technological options, economic planning, and policy directions while recognizing the diverse local, regional, and national priorities found worldwide.
The ISGP GPHEF-Japan consultative meetings and debate/caucus conferences are convened using both internet platforms and in-person venues over multiple days. Written position papers prepared by internationally recognized subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers are used to initiate candid discussions, debates, and caucuses focused on identifying and prioritizing Areas of Consensus, Evidence-Based Options, and Actionable Next Steps.
Key Participants: The ISGP-GPHEF agenda rests on credible scientific understanding and evidence-based technological options garnered from hundreds of confidential interviews of internationally recognized subject-matter experts, private sector stakeholders, senior governmental leaders, and public advocates. While an Informal Advisory Panel – Japan (IAPJ) is routinely consulted, the ISGP remains responsible for all ISGP-GPHEF conference invitations.
ISGP GPHEF – Japan: Informal Advisory Panel – Japan
Co-chairs:
Dr. George Atkinson, Founder and Executive Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP); former Science and Technology Adviser (STAS) to U.S. Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice
Mr. Masakazu Toyoda: Chairman and CEO, Japan Economic Foundation (JEF); Outside director, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.; former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ); former Secretary General, Secretariat of Headquarters for Space Policy, Japan; former Special Adviser on Climate Change and Vice Minister for International Affairs, Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry
Dr. Keigo Akimoto, Chief Researcher, RITE (Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth)
Mr. Ryosuke Fujioka, Chief Deputy Director in International Affairs Division, Agency of Natural Resources and Energy at Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)
Mr. Hiroshi Fukushima, Director, Senior Managing Officer and General Manager, Technology & Engineering Division Iwatani R&D Center, Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center; Chairman of Planning and Operation Committee, Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A)
Ms. Yukari Hino, Director, Advanced Energy Systems & Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Strategy Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Mr. Motoichi Kato, Deputy Secretary-General, Clean Fuel Ammonia Association (CFAA)
Dr. Katsuhiko Hirose, CEO, HyWealth Co; former Chief Engineer, Toyota Corporation
Mr. Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Senior Economist, Manager, CCUS Group, Fossil Energies & International Cooperation Unit
Mr. Sam Muraki, Representative Director, Clean Fuel Ammonia Association; Regional Vice Chair, Asia Pacific and South Asia, of World Energy Council; Executive Adviser, Tokyo Gas Co, Ltd.; former Senior Executive Officer and CTO at Gas Resources Dept.
Mr. Norihiko Saeki, Executive Director of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Special Advisor to Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Dr. Kazunari Sasaki, Distinguished Professor, Hydrogen Utilization Engineering, Kyushu University
Mr. Takeshi Soda, Director, Oil and Natural Gas Division, International Carbon Neutral Policy Office, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI); former director of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Mr. Masashi Watanabe, Director for Fuel Ammonia, Petroleum and LNG Policy, Agency for Natural Resource and Energy, METI
Introduction: The often-dramatic advancements in science and technology that have characterized the outset of the 21st century are now important tools in confronting the transformational challenges posed by (i) changes in lifestyles caused by climate transformations, (ii) rapid evolutions of global energy systems, and (iii) impacts on human health caused by pandemic infectious diseases. These dynamic, disruptive challenges, among others, are reshaping geopolitical, security, and economic systems worldwide. Addressing these complex, interconnected, real-world challenges relies on the functioning of a reliable, stable energy system that encompasses environmentally compatible demands shaping our turbulent times. An accurate, critical evaluation of hydrogen energy is now essential. Designed by the ISGP in consultation with global leadership, the ISGP-GPHEF program focuses on specific hydrogen energy issues consistent with the diverse priorities of private sector, government, and public (writ large) stakeholders. The initial effort in 2021 to 2023 focuses on the Asia-Pacific arena, with specific guidance from U.S., Australian, and Japanese leadership. Implementations of hydrogen energy, adjusted to existing geographical, economic, political, and cultural conditions, are already underway globally based on specific technological and economic approaches compatible with local perspectives and priorities. The information and experiences from these early-stage efforts can inform and guide decisions concerning how to employ hydrogen energy under many different local, regional, and national conditions.
ISGP-GPHEF Program: The program is designed to conduct this critical evaluation by engaging a wide range of stakeholders who are implementing different aspects of the hydrogen economy in multiple, integrated, in-person conferences. These invitation-only conferences, conducted under the Chatham House Rule (no attribution), use the unusual, if not unique, debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP to promote candid, productive debates and caucuses to identify areas of consensus (AoC), evidence-based options (EBO), and actionable next steps (ANS) focused on supporting real-world decisions. Effectively introducing a new global energy source (e.g., hydrogen) on the global stage depends on accurate analysis, critical debate, and comprehensive decision-making encompassing (i) emerging technology, (ii) real-world scalability, (iii) practical economic planning, and (iv) integrated policy options supporting realistic outcomes, all elements within the ISGP-GPHEF program structure. It is anticipated that the first ISGP-GPHEF conference will be convened in the spring of 2022. The agenda remains open, but interviews and consultations have identified some topics as priorities in Emerging Technology (e.g., environmental compatibility of hydrogen production; carbon capture, storage, and utilization; technology for hydrogen production, storage and distribution; supply chain logistics of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution), Economics (e.g., global practices and projections within a fossil fuel-dominated economy; scalability and practicality of local production vs. importation; competitive costs and market issues related to hydrogen energy; life-cycle analysis), and Policy (e.g., economic, trading, and taxation policies impacting the adoption of hydrogen energy; societal acceptance impacting hydrogen energy adoption; policy frameworks for the future of the international hydrogen energy system).
Key Participants: The ISGP-GPHEF agenda rests on credible scientific understanding and evidence-based technological options garnered from hundreds of confidential interviews of internationally recognized subject-matter experts, private sector stakeholders, senior governmental leaders, and public advocates. While an Informal Advisory Panel (IAP) is routinely consulted, the ISGP remains responsible for all ISGP-GPHEF conference invitations.
Informal Advisory Panel Chair: Dr. George Atkinson, Founder and Executive Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP); former Science and Technology Adviser (STAS) to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice Members: Prof. Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou,Professor, University of Sydney; Professor of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW); Co-Director, ARC Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy (GlobH2E) Mr. Stuart Allinson, Energy Partner, StartupBootcamp; former Member and acting Chair, Australian Government Climate Change Authority; Co-founder and former Managing Director, BidEnergy, Inc. Mr. John Carnegie, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Resources Aotearoa; Chair, Energy Skills NZ Limited Mr. Fred Downey, former Vice President of National Security at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); former Senior Counselor to Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman Ms. Sandra Gamble, Board member, New Zealand Electricity Authority and chair of its Systems Operations Committee; Tribunal member of the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and chair of its Energy Savings Scheme and Electricity Networks Regulation Committee Dr. Michael Irwin, Managing Director, Hydrogen House Australia; Managing Director, Low Hanging Fruit Pty Ltd.; former Managing Director, LTech Australia; former Managing Director, G M Laboratories; former member (minister’s appointment) of Technical Review Panel for National Pollution Inventory; former board member National Association of Testing Dr. David Moran, President of Technology International Partnerships, LLC; former President of the National Technology Transfer Center; former Director of Industrial Advanced Development & Industrial Outreach, Advanced Technology, Office of Naval Research Mr. Anton Murashev, Managing Director, New Zealand and the Pacific, Castalia; former Manager, Commercial Performance and Pricing Analytics and Insights, Jemena; former Regulatory Manager, Singapore Power Ltd. Ms. Natalie Turmine, Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Page and EcoCrews; Non-Executive Director, National Employment Services Association; Business NSW Workforce Skills Policy Committee Member, Non-Executive Director, Hydrogen House Australia Introduction: The often-dramatic advancements in science and technology that have characterized the outset of the 21st century are now important tools in confronting the transformational challenges posed by (i) changes in lifestyles caused by climate transformations, (ii) rapid evolutions of global energy systems, and (iii) impacts on human health caused by pandemic infectious diseases. These dynamic, disruptive challenges, among others, are reshaping geopolitical, security, and economic systems worldwide. Addressing these complex, interconnected, real-world challenges relies on the functioning of a reliable, stable energy system that encompasses environmentally compatible demands shaping our turbulent times. An accurate, critical evaluation of hydrogen energy is now essential.
Designed by the ISGP in consultation with global leadership, the ISGP-GPHEF program focuses on specific hydrogen energy issues consistent with the diverse priorities of private sector, government, and public (writ large) stakeholders. The initial effort in 2021 to 2023 focuses on the Asia-Pacific arena, with specific guidance from U.S., Australian, and Japanese leadership. Implementations of hydrogen energy, adjusted to existing geographical, economic, political, and cultural conditions, are already underway globally based on specific technological and economic approaches compatible with local perspectives and priorities. The information and experiences from these early-stage efforts can inform and guide decisions concerning how to employ hydrogen energy under many different local, regional, and national conditions.
ISGP-GPHEF Program: The program is designed to conduct this critical evaluation by engaging a wide range of stakeholders who are implementing different aspects of the hydrogen economy in multiple, integrated, in-person conferences. These invitation-only conferences, conducted under the Chatham House Rule (no attribution), use the unusual, if not unique, debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP to promote candid, productive debates and caucuses to identify areas of consensus (AoC), evidence-based options (EBO), and actionable next steps (ANS) focused on supporting real-world decisions. Effectively introducing a new global energy source (e.g., hydrogen) on the global stage depends on accurate analysis, critical debate, and comprehensive decision-making encompassing (i) emerging technology, (ii) real-world scalability, (iii) practical economic planning, and (iv) integrated policy options supporting realistic outcomes, all elements within the ISGP-GPHEF program structure. It is anticipated that the first ISGP-GPHEF conference will be convened in the spring of 2022.
The agenda remains open, but interviews and consultations have identified some topics as priorities in Emerging Technology (e.g., environmental compatibility of hydrogen production; carbon capture, storage, and utilization; technology for hydrogen production, storage and distribution; supply chain logistics of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution), Economics (e.g., global practices and projections within a fossil fuel-dominated economy; scalability and practicality of local production vs. importation; competitive costs and market issues related to hydrogen energy; life-cycle analysis), and Policy (e.g., economic, trading, and taxation policies impacting the adoption of hydrogen energy; societal acceptance impacting hydrogen energy adoption; policy frameworks for the future of the international hydrogen energy system).
Key Participants: The ISGP-GPHEF agenda rests on credible scientific understanding and evidence-based technological options garnered from hundreds of confidential interviews of internationally recognized subject-matter experts, private sector stakeholders, senior governmental leaders, and public advocates. While an Informal Advisory Panel (IAP) and Global Advisory Panel (GAP) is routinely consulted, the ISGP remains responsible for all ISGP-GPHEF conference invitations.
Informal Advisory Panel
Co-Chairs:
Dr. George Atkinson, Founder and Executive Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP); former Science and Technology Adviser (STAS) to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice
Mr. Mitch Ewan, Hydrogen Systems Program Manager, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI); former Co-Chair, United States National Hydrogen Association; former Commander, Royal Canadian Navy; former Vice President, Energy Partners
Members:
Ms. Celeste Connors, CEO and Executive Director, Hawai’i Green Growth; former Director for Environment and Climate Change, U.S. National Security Council; former Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Fred Downey, former Vice President of National Security at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); former Senior Counselor to Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman
Mr. Tyson Eckerle, Deputy Director, Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz); former Executive Director, Energy Independence Now; former Environmental Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Admiral (Ret.) Tom Fargo, Chairman, Hawaiian Electric Industries; former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii; Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service four times, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medals three times, and the title honorary Officer of the Order Australia
Col. (Ret.) David H. Molinaro, Director, Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT); former Director of Staff, Hawaii Air National Guard; former Aircraft Maintenance Inspector, Inspector General, Headquarters Pacific Air Force
Dr. David Moran, President of Technology International Partnerships, LLC; former President of the National Technology Transfer Center; former Director of Industrial Advanced Development & Industrial Outreach, Advanced Technology, Office of Naval Research
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stan Osserman, Host of “Stan the Energy Man” on “Think Tech Hawaii”, a program that focuses on clean energy in Hawaii; former Director, Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies; former Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard
Mr. Vincent Paul Ponthieux, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Blue Planet Research; President at Environment Monitoring and Control Center (EMC2) Technologies, LLC; Designer of the HISEAS Mars Habitat located on Mauna Loa
Dr. Rick Rocheleau, Director, Program Management, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI); Graduate Faculty, University of Hawaii Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering; former Manager, Institute of Energy Conversion, Reactor Design and Analysis Group at the University of Delaware
Ms. Janice Lin, Founder and CEO, Strategen; Founder and President, Green Hydrogen Coalition; Co-Founder and Chairperson, Energy Storage North America
Dr. Bryan Willson, Executive Director, Colorado State University Energy Institute; holder of the Bryan Willson Presidential Chair for Energy Innovation; Professor of Mechanical Engineering; former Director, ARPA-E Introduction: The vulnerabilities of the U.S. food and agricultural systems to natural and intentional attack and alteration have long been recognized as critical factors in U.S. national security protocols and economic prosperity. The overall safety of sustainable sources for agricultural products, animal protein, and seafood remains a central issue in efforts to ensure the safety of food writ large. The relationship between the quality of food, obtained domestically and internationally, has commanded intense scrutiny and monitoring as global populations dramatically increased and food transportation options expanded worldwide to unprecedented levels. Historically, the impact of food safety and agricultural sustainability (e.g., environmental impact, economic stability) on human health would be difficult to overstate. The rapidly increasing impacts of climate change observed worldwide have accelerated these concerns and emphasized the criticality of proactive policies and decisive actions to create integrated surveillance approaches spanning agricultural products, animal protein, and aquaculture. Integrated biosurveillance and biosecurity systems are fundamental to creating a strategic biodefense system that ensures the overall safety of food sources. The challenges of increasing human populations, expanding transportation systems, and emerging threats from zoonotic diseases require enhanced food safety protections.
The U.S. Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (Diagnostics for Biodefense), a privately funded committee of U.S. governmental and private sector leaders, emphasized the national security impact of the vulnerabilities throughout the food system from biological attacks (plant and animal feed pathogens), emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and transformational genomic changes from synthetic biology. The COVID-19 pandemic exemplified the consequences of these vulnerabilities and the result of inadequate proactive preparation and diagnostics. While the U.S. food supply (e.g., animal protein and seafood sources) was only indirectly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of variants remains to be established. Since the rapidly evolving consequences of natural (climate change, pollution) and societal discord are predicted to exacerbate all of these vulnerabilities, it is imperative that governments, private sectors, and civil societies proactively prepare to address the severe impacts on the sustainability of already insecure human, plant, and animal health systems.
ISGP-ABBB Program: The debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP engages highly credentialed subject matter experts and governmental, private sector, and public advocacy leadership to obtain their perspectives and priorities for actionable decisions designed to combat recognizable and anticipated threats to U.S. food and agricultural systems. In recognition of the strong influence of international biosecurity on U.S. decisions, ISGP interviews and analyses encompass both international and domestic expertise as it identifies a proactive framework of overarching security, economic, and civil society decisions focused on U.S.-centric technology applications, regulations, and public engagements.
Notionally, the ISGP-ABBB program is centered on five, sequentially convened conferences that foster intense, respectful debates and caucuses among distinguished, well-informed individuals who, while often having diverse, competing viewpoints and priorities, are positioned to make or significantly influence the formulation and implementation of major governmental, private sector, and civil society decisions. Several areas of focus for the initial ISGP conferences that have been tentatively identified from ISGP interviews with subject-matter experts and leadership are: (1) integrating a system of data acquisition, analysis, and access directly supporting the safety of economically viable, sustainable agriculture, practical sources of animal protein, and comprehensive protection of human health (One Health), (2) promoting an aquaculture system as a safe source of seafood, (3) monitoring and analyzing animal and human populations related to zoonotic infectious diseases, (4) promoting a safe and economically viable international trade and transportation system consistent with legal and regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety of food systems from attacks from natural events and/or intentional harm.
The Future of Modern Agriculture Conference (FMA) organized and facilitated by the Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP) supported by U.S. Department of State in coordination with its U.S. Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome Hybrid In-Person/Internet Format September 22, 2020 in Rome, Italy
While the world’s food and agricultural systems have benefited from vast scientific and technological progress in the past decades, the current global food system continues to face critical challenges in achieving food security in many regions of the world. Existing disparities risk being exacerbated in the coming decades of population growth and environmental stressors. This is exemplified by the current threats posed to food security by COVID-19. Both scientific and technological innovations as well as traditional approaches (often rooted in cultural knowledge and agro-ecological methods) provide promise for alleviating growing pressure on agricultural systems worldwide. Realizing these opportunities is key to addressing the challenge of achieving global food security while simultaneously improving environmental resilience.
The Future of Modern Agriculture (FMA) conference, organized and facilitated by the ISGP with support from the U.S. Department of State in coordination with its U.S. Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome, is scheduled to assemble on September 22, 2020 in Rome, Italy. Due to health and travel concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FMA program will be held in a hybrid in-person/internet format to optimize global participation. The conference seeks to engage major public, private, and third sector communities involved in global food and agricultural systems to evaluate the roles of modern agricultural technologies and agroecology in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.>
The critical debate and extended caucus format pioneered by the ISGP has been used for over a decade to promote the candid exchange of ideas and clarity of priorities required for real-world decisions on a wide range of topics (http://scienceforglobalpolicy.org/). The hybrid format of the FMA conference has been adapted to maintain this robust and effective discussion model. As a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), nonpartisan organization, the ISGP does not itself independently express opinions nor lobby on any issue. The invitation-only FMA conference, facilitated in a not-for- attribution environment defined by the Chatham House Rule, seeks to address the diverse views held by stakeholders and subject-matter experts engaged throughout global food/agricultural systems. Conference Structure: The first session of the FMA conference is devoted to two sixty (60)- minute debates of two concise position papers prepared and defended by internationally recognized subject-matter experts. The content of these papers is critiqued and analyzed by approximately thirty-six (36) invited debaters, composed of stakeholders from the public, private, and third sector communities. Following the debates, two Commentators summarize and review the position papers and debate discussions. Finally, a plenary caucus discussion will draw from these results to outline Evidence-Based Options and Actionable Next Steps for “The Future of Modern Agriculture.” A not-for-attribution report will be prepared by the ISGP following the FMA conference and will be available publicly.> SA-Plant Breeding Innovation
Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Plant Breeding Innovation (SA-PBI) organized by the Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP) with support from American Seed Trade Association and Euroseeds convened on an internet platform on November 17 and 18, 2020
IntroductionOver the next few decades, the sustainability of global food and agricultural systems will increasingly be challenged by a diversity of converging factors including the need to nourish a growing global population in the context of increasingly scarce resources. Existing, emerging, and on-the-horizon agricultural tools for improved management of soil, water, weeds, pests, and disease, as well as harvest and post-harvest practices, present opportunities to address the critical need to achieve agricultural sustainability. In particular, generations of research and discovery have driven dramatic scientific and technological advances in crop development by employing a range of tools and practices involving breeding strategies, genotyping, phenotyping, and improved generational turnaround. While it is widely recognized that such tools can significantly impact the sustainability of food and agricultural systems worldwide, understanding the relationship between specific advances and agricultural sustainability remains open to interpretation, especially with respect to the diverse perspectives and priorities found throughout private sector, governmental, and public advocacy communities.
ISGP/SA-PBI Conference StructureThe SA-PBI conference, organized, facilitated, convened, and moderated by the ISGP with support from the American Seed Trade Association and Euroseeds, convened on November 17 and 18, 2020, on an internet platform (Zoom). The conference sought to engage major scientific, technological, private sector, governmental, and public advocacy communities involved in global food and agricultural systems. As a European-United States dialogue, focus was given to the perspectives and priorities of these communities in Europe and the United States. The agenda of the ISGP/SA-PBI conference focused on the role of plant breeding innovation in meeting agricultural sustainability objectives based on scientifically-credible opportunities and challenges, evidence-based options, and actionable next steps.
The critical debate and extended caucus format pioneered by the ISGP has been used for over a decade to promote the candid exchange of ideas and clarity of priorities required for real-world decisions on a wide range of topics (http://scienceforglobalpolicy.org/). As a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), non-partisan organization, the ISGP does not itself independently express opinions nor lobby on any issue. The invitation-only, ISGP/SA-PBI conference, convened in a not-for-attribution environment defined by the Chatham House Rule, sought to address the diverse views held by stakeholders and subject-matter experts engaged throughout global food and agricultural systems.
Each day of the ISGP/SA-PBI conference began with two separate, 60-minute debates of position papers prepared and defended by internationally recognized subject-matter experts. Approximately 40 stakeholders and subject-matter experts were invited to debate, question, and critique the current realities, evidenced-based opportunities, challenges, and real-world decisions presented in each position paper concerning the role of plant breeding in agricultural sustainability. Debates, moderated by ISGP staff, promoted critical discussions among all participants. Extensive interviews by ISGP staff were used as the basis for extending invitations to the ISGP/SA-PBI conference. Following the two debate sessions on each day, a plenary caucus, moderated by ISGP staff, was convened to identify areas of consensus and actionable next steps that garnered broad support. On the second day, thirty (30) minutes were allocated to review and wrap up the Plenary Caucus outcomes. Position papers, not-for-attribution summaries of debates, and caucus outcomes have been published in an ISGP book for free public distribution.
To learn more about the ISGP/SA-PBI conference, please contact Margaret Patkus (mpatkus@scienceforglobalpolicy.org), Ciaran Fitzpatrick (cfitzpatrick@scienceforglobalpolicy.org)
The expanding use of advanced preparatory methods and distinct genomic compositions in food is rapidly creating a new age of consumer choices. Simultaneously, these innovative food and ingredient choices are dramatically altering the decisions being made by stakeholders throughout the food supply system, domestically and internationally. Scientific, farming, processing, manufacturing, marketing, and retail distribution communities focused on providing commercially viable products are directly affected, as are government regulators overseeing the safety of the food system and public advocates committed to accurately informing consumers.
The Innovative Foods and Ingredients (IFI) conference series, organized and convened by the ISGP with support from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is part of the ISGP Food Innovation Program. The initial IFI conference in this multi-year project is scheduled to be convened June 23-27, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), non-partisan organization, the ISGP does not lobby on any issue. The IFI conference series seeks to identify the opportunities, challenges, and priorities recognized by major scientific, technological, private sector, governmental, and public advocacy stakeholders involved in the emergence of innovative foods and ingredients. The first of these IFI conferences focuses on plant- and microbial-derived foods and ingredients and specifically, excludes consideration of food and ingredients derived from cultured mammalian cells or genetically engineered animals.
To promote the candid exchange of ideas and clarity of priorities, the initial, invitation-only IFI conference is convened in a not-for-attribution environment defined by the Chatham House Rule. The critical debate/extended caucus format pioneered by the ISGP over more than a decade has proven to be effective in addressing the diverse, often conflicting, views held by stakeholders from widely different communities such as those found in the food supply system. The IFI conference agenda links options based on evidence-based, credible scientific understanding with commercially realistic decisions concerning how plant- and microbial-derived foods and ingredients can be safely offered to the public under FDA’s statutory frameworks. Recent history surrounding how technology appears in the food supply system emphasizes the need to balance private sector priorities with regulatory structures and narratives used to accurately, and transparently, inform the public about new food choices.
IFI Conference StructureThe initial two days of the IFI conference are devoted to 90-minute, moderated debates of eight, concise position papers prepared and defended by internationally recognized subject-matter experts. The 60-70 debaters examine and critique the current realities, opportunities, challenges, and priorities identified by all stakeholders. On the third day, small-group, moderated caucuses attended by all of the approximately 120 participants are held to identify future options and opportunities consistent with stakeholder priorities. A plenary session reviewing the results emerging from the small-group caucuses is held on the final conference morning. Caucus outcomes, position papers, and not-for-attribution summaries of all debates are anticipated to be published by the ISGP for free public distribution.
For more information about this conference, please contact NiCole Bice at nbice@scienceforglobalpolicy.org The expanding use of advanced preparatory methods and distinct genomic compositions in the production of food is rapidly creating a new age of consumer choices. Simultaneously, these changes are defining a new era in food innovation that is influencing major decisions made by stakeholders throughout the food supply system, domestically and internationally. BFI conferences seek to identify the opportunities, challenges, and priorities of the scientific, technological, private sector, governmental, and public advocacy stakeholders engaged in the production, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and retailing of bioengineered plant- and microbial-derived foods and ingredients. Collectively, these stakeholders are responsible for providing commercially viable food choices, overseeing the safety of the food system, and creating narratives and messaging that accurately inform consumers. BFI conferences focus on bioengineered foods and ingredients while specifically excluding those derived from cultured mammalian cells and genetically engineered animals and are convened in a not-for-attribution environment defined by the Chatham House Rule. The debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP is used to link scientifically-credible understanding with commercially realistic decisions concerning how bioengineered plant- and microbial-derived foods and ingredients can be safely integrated into the food supply under regulatory frameworks. Recent history strongly suggests that consumer acceptance of genetic technology in the food supply directly depends on balancing private sector priorities, regulatory structures, and consumer questions into narratives that accurately describe food choices. The first BFI conference is planned for June 23-27, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. BFI Program Structure The initial two days of the invitation-only BFI conference uses 90-minute debates of eight, concise position papers, prepared and defended by internationally recognized, subject-matter experts, to examine the current realities, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. The second two days focus small-group and plenary sessions of moderated caucuses on identifying areas of consensus and actionable next steps to be considered by all stakeholders in future decisions. The area of consensus, actionable next steps, position papers, and not-for-attribution summaries of all debates are prepared by the ISGP and published for free public distribution. To learn more about the ISGP conferences and for more information about how invitations to the conference are being extended, contact Jennifer Boice at (520) 343-8181, or at (jboice@scienceforglobalpolicy.org) or NiCole Bice at (704) 682-3052, or at (nbice@scienceforglobalpolicy.org).