CRDF also expanded its higher education program to include a new research and education center in Ukraine that will address energy efficiency research, a key economic priority area for Ukraine. Our programs and services in innovation continued to address urgent issues of global entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. In 2008, we drew upon our strong record of bringing together local scientists and business people to help build strong local science/business partnerships, while establishing links with U.S. companies, associations and technical experts. We also hosted workshops and training seminars for hundreds of scientists in Eurasia to impart valuable lessons on such topics as proposal writing, business plans and intellectual property concerns. CRDF continues to be a key partner in implementing government and private programs to halt proliferation. Our programs give priority to former weapons researchers and engage them in productive civilian research and development. In Kyrgyzstan, public health scientists—including those who once worked in the bioweapons field—are increasingly
using mapping tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to track infectious diseases such as anthrax and use the resulting data to develop ways to control outbreaks. They are obtaining much-needed help to use this technology through a consortium that CRDF helped to establish with support from the U.S. Department of State. Not only will raising the level of GIS expertise in Kyrgyzstan help address infectious disease outbreaks, it will also help stimulate research, education and business cooperation using these technologies. Taken individually, these changes are impressive. However, their real strength lies in the powerful momentum created by their collective impact, leading us into a better future. The world we live in tomorrow depends tremendously on the support given to science and scientists today. We are delighted to continue our effort to raise awareness about the importance of engaging scientists internationally to address global challenges. As you will see, “Across the Threshold” is more than a concept. It accurately describes how we view the impact of international science collaboration on creating an enduring transformation. We hope you will join us on this journey.
John Moore
Chair, CRDF Board of Directors
Cathleen A. Campbell President & CEO
CRDF Annual Report 2008