Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

From Larry Arno Watkins

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs[edit]

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (commonly known as the Belfer Center) is a prominent research institution located at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It focuses on advancing policy-relevant knowledge in international security, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy.

History[edit]

The Belfer Center was established in 1973 by biochemist Paul M. Doty as the Program for Science and International Affairs. It was later transformed into the Center for Science and International Affairs, marking its status as the first permanent research center at the newly established School of Government at Harvard. In 1997, the center was renamed the Robert and Renée Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs in recognition of Robert A. Belfer’s significant contributions.

Mission and Focus Areas[edit]

The Belfer Center's mission is twofold:

  1. To provide leadership in advancing policy-relevant knowledge about critical challenges where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect.
  2. To prepare future generations of leaders for roles in these interconnected fields.

The center’s research spans several key areas:

  • International Security: Addressing pressing threats to national and global security.
  • Science, Technology, and Public Policy: Analyzing how public policies influence advancements in science and technology.
  • Environment and Natural Resources: Conducting interdisciplinary research on environmental challenges and policy responses.
  • Diplomacy and International Politics: Exploring the future of diplomacy and conflict resolution, with a focus on regions like the Middle East, the Gulf, and South Asia.

Leadership[edit]

As of March 2025, the Belfer Center is led by Director Meghan O'Sullivan, who also serves as the Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School. The executive director is Natalie Colbert.

Former directors include:

  • Graham Allison
  • Ashton B. Carter, former U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Programs and Fellowships[edit]

The Belfer Center offers a variety of programs and fellowships aimed at fostering research and developing leadership in its focus areas. These programs attract scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world, contributing to the center's dynamic and diverse intellectual community.

Controversies[edit]

In 2012, the Belfer Center became involved in a controversy when the Stanton Foundation provided funds for a paid Wikipedian in residence at the center. The initiative raised concerns about conflicts of interest, as the directors of both the Belfer Center and the Stanton Foundation are a married couple.

External Links[edit]

References[edit]

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