Scott Nolan Smith
@scottnolansmith.com
Comms @nti.org with a focus on our global biological, AI, and emerging tech programs.
International affairs, global security, science, tech, coffee, travel + more.
☕🗺⚽️📷👨💻
📍 Washington, DC area
🔗 http://scottnolansmith.com
International affairs, global security, science, tech, coffee, travel + more.
☕🗺⚽️📷👨💻
📍 Washington, DC area
🔗 http://scottnolansmith.com
When you think of Christmas, you think of Elf. And when you think of Elf, you think of global health security. Obviously. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
What Buddy the Elf Can Teach Us About Global Health Security
You might not expect a man in yellow tights eating syrupy spaghetti to teach you about global health security—but Elf offers surprisingly helpful lessons to understand the importance of addressing bio...
www.nti.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:42 PM
When you think of Christmas, you think of Elf. And when you think of Elf, you think of global health security. Obviously. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
"Once a vehicle for global cooperation, international science has become a high-stakes arena of geopolitical rivalry." foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/15/s...
The Death—and Rebirth—of Science Diplomacy
Once a vehicle for global cooperation, international science has become a high-stakes arena of geopolitical rivalry.
foreignpolicy.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
"Once a vehicle for global cooperation, international science has become a high-stakes arena of geopolitical rivalry." foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/15/s...
Attending #JPM2026 in January? This panel will unpack where biological risks and vulnerabilities lie and how increased resilience and cross-border cooperation can protect both public health and the bottom line.
Biological risks — from climate-driven disease to engineered pathogens — continue to threaten markets, supply chains, and global R&D. Join us to discuss solutions at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. #JPM2026
www.nti.org/events/the-n...
www.nti.org/events/the-n...
December 23, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Attending #JPM2026 in January? This panel will unpack where biological risks and vulnerabilities lie and how increased resilience and cross-border cooperation can protect both public health and the bottom line.
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
Do you think that the movie Elf is just a cinematic masterpiece about the magic of the holiday season? Think again.
It offers key lessons on global health security. Read @scottnolansmith.com’s blog to see why, unlike Santa’s sleigh, global health crises can’t be solved with singing.
It offers key lessons on global health security. Read @scottnolansmith.com’s blog to see why, unlike Santa’s sleigh, global health crises can’t be solved with singing.
What Buddy the Elf Can Teach Us About Global Health Security
You might not expect a man in yellow tights eating syrupy spaghetti to teach you about global health security—but Elf offers surprisingly helpful lessons to understand the importance of addressing…
www.nti.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Do you think that the movie Elf is just a cinematic masterpiece about the magic of the holiday season? Think again.
It offers key lessons on global health security. Read @scottnolansmith.com’s blog to see why, unlike Santa’s sleigh, global health crises can’t be solved with singing.
It offers key lessons on global health security. Read @scottnolansmith.com’s blog to see why, unlike Santa’s sleigh, global health crises can’t be solved with singing.
When you think of global health security, you probably don’t focus on a man in yellow tights eating spaghetti with syrup. But, Elf offers surprisingly helpful lessons to help address biological threats. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
What Buddy the Elf Can Teach Us About Global Health Security
You might not expect a man in yellow tights eating syrupy spaghetti to teach you about global health security—but Elf offers surprisingly helpful lessons to understand the importance of addressing bio...
www.nti.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:11 PM
When you think of global health security, you probably don’t focus on a man in yellow tights eating spaghetti with syrup. But, Elf offers surprisingly helpful lessons to help address biological threats. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Funders play a key role in shaping how life science research is conducted. As science advances, so do biosafety and biosecurity challenges. @nti.org has published new guidance and a framework to help funders assess risks and evaluate research proposals. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Guidance for Assessing Biosecurity and Biosafety Risks: For the Purpose of Reviewing Research Proposals Prior to Funding
Funders play a key role in shaping how life science research is conducted. This new framework—developed collaboratively by a diverse group of internationally recognized experts—helps funders identify ...
www.nti.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Funders play a key role in shaping how life science research is conducted. As science advances, so do biosafety and biosecurity challenges. @nti.org has published new guidance and a framework to help funders assess risks and evaluate research proposals. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Funders have a key role in shaping life science research. Join @nti.org for the launch of a new framework designed to help funders assess biosecurity + biosafety risks—and integrate these considerations into funding decisions.
Webinar | Dec. 11, 10AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/launc...
Webinar | Dec. 11, 10AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/launc...
Integrating Biosafety & Biosecurity into Funding Decisions
Funders play a key role in shaping how life science research is conducted. This webinar will introduce a new framework—developed collaboratively by a diverse group of internationally recognized expert...
www.nti.org
December 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Funders have a key role in shaping life science research. Join @nti.org for the launch of a new framework designed to help funders assess biosecurity + biosafety risks—and integrate these considerations into funding decisions.
Webinar | Dec. 11, 10AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/launc...
Webinar | Dec. 11, 10AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/launc...
AI is transforming life sciences and public health — brining both promise and risks. These tools could be misused to design dangerous pathogens. The time for guardrails is now. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
AIxBio = Big Promise + New Risks
The AI-biology convergence offers enormous benefits but also brings about risks as we’ve never seen before. Without action from multiple disciplines, the race for AI development and dominance could be...
www.nti.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:58 PM
AI is transforming life sciences and public health — brining both promise and risks. These tools could be misused to design dangerous pathogens. The time for guardrails is now. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
The race for AI supremacy could devolve into a race to the bottom on safety. Exploitation of AIxBio capabilities for harm is a plausible near-term risk—and the time for action is now. Latest @nti.org report offers actionable recommendations for governments and industry. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Safeguarding Against Global Catastrophe
AIxBio capabilities hold immense promise—but they also introduce unprecedented risks. The exploitation of AIxBio capabilities for harm is a plausible near-term risk—and the time for action is now.
www.nti.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The race for AI supremacy could devolve into a race to the bottom on safety. Exploitation of AIxBio capabilities for harm is a plausible near-term risk—and the time for action is now. Latest @nti.org report offers actionable recommendations for governments and industry. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
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December 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
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"Between the research cuts and the dismantling of the knowledge pipeline, we are now less prepared for a biological attack today than we were yesterday, and we are setting ourselves up to be years behind tomorrow." — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social www.leadersedge.com/healthcare/m...
Moving Backward on Biodefense? | Leader's Edge Magazine
Moving Backward on Biodefense? Though the Trump administration maintains it is committed to disease preparedness, cuts to relevant federal agencies and R&D pipelines have experts questioning the count...
www.leadersedge.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:56 PM
"Between the research cuts and the dismantling of the knowledge pipeline, we are now less prepared for a biological attack today than we were yesterday, and we are setting ourselves up to be years behind tomorrow." — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social www.leadersedge.com/healthcare/m...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
#GivingTuesday is just one day away!
Tomorrow, your support for NTI will go twice as far thanks to a 1:1 match. Join us in working to reduce global threats and build a safer world. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Tomorrow, your support for NTI will go twice as far thanks to a 1:1 match. Join us in working to reduce global threats and build a safer world. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday
December 2 is Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving—and we have exciting news: Every gift will be matched 1:1 by an NTI Board member! That means your impact will be doubled to help build a safer…
www.nti.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:45 PM
#GivingTuesday is just one day away!
Tomorrow, your support for NTI will go twice as far thanks to a 1:1 match. Join us in working to reduce global threats and build a safer world. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Tomorrow, your support for NTI will go twice as far thanks to a 1:1 match. Join us in working to reduce global threats and build a safer world. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
How do we harness AI’s benefits while preventing catastrophic misuse in biology?
Join @nti.org for the virtual launch of our new report on safeguarding AIxBio capabilities.
Dec. 3 at 11:00AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/repor...
Join @nti.org for the virtual launch of our new report on safeguarding AIxBio capabilities.
Dec. 3 at 11:00AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/repor...
Report Launch: Safeguarding AIxBio Capabilities to Prevent Global Catastrophe
"Safeguarding Against Global Catastrophe: Risks, Opportunities, and Governance Options at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Biology," highlights actions the international community can t...
www.nti.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
How do we harness AI’s benefits while preventing catastrophic misuse in biology?
Join @nti.org for the virtual launch of our new report on safeguarding AIxBio capabilities.
Dec. 3 at 11:00AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/repor...
Join @nti.org for the virtual launch of our new report on safeguarding AIxBio capabilities.
Dec. 3 at 11:00AM ET
Register here: www.nti.org/events/repor...
By cutting aid, “we’re withdrawing an investment in our own security”. youtu.be/foAVxxNhtWI?...
Why cutting aid to buy bombs is making us less safe
YouTube video by The Telegraph
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 2:37 PM
By cutting aid, “we’re withdrawing an investment in our own security”. youtu.be/foAVxxNhtWI?...
Building resilient health financing systems requires smarter, data-driven decisions. Check out insights from this expert roundtable on how tools like the upcoming Africa Health Security (AHS) Index can help countries close gaps and strengthen preparedness. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Smarter Health Financing for Self-Reliance and Resilience Across the African Continent
Amid a combination of economic slowdown, reductions in official development assistance, rising biological threats, and climate change’s disproportionate impact on Africa, leaders and experts call for ...
www.nti.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Building resilient health financing systems requires smarter, data-driven decisions. Check out insights from this expert roundtable on how tools like the upcoming Africa Health Security (AHS) Index can help countries close gaps and strengthen preparedness. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
We are thrilled to welcome Christine Wormuth to NTI today as our new President and CEO! With her impressive leadership background at the Pentagon, the White House, and leading think tanks, we're excited to see how she will steer our organization into the next chapter.
www.nti.org/news/nti-wel...
www.nti.org/news/nti-wel...
NTI Welcomes Christine E. Wormuth as President and CEO
A national security leader with more than 30 years of experience in defense policy, strategic planning, and international security, Secretary Wormuth brings an extensive record of leadership and…
www.nti.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:28 PM
We are thrilled to welcome Christine Wormuth to NTI today as our new President and CEO! With her impressive leadership background at the Pentagon, the White House, and leading think tanks, we're excited to see how she will steer our organization into the next chapter.
www.nti.org/news/nti-wel...
www.nti.org/news/nti-wel...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
The U.S. maintains its nuclear arsenal using advanced simulations, continuous monitoring, and rigorous assessments—methods that provide more accurate insights than past explosive tests ever did, explains NTI’s Dimitri Kusnezov, former Chief Scientist at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
How the U.S. Maintains Its Nuclear Arsenal—Without Explosive Testing
The U.S. ended explosive nuclear testing in the 1990s, but that does not mean we are unprepared. In its place, the U.S. uses a science-based program that checks the health of the stockpile…
www.nti.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The U.S. maintains its nuclear arsenal using advanced simulations, continuous monitoring, and rigorous assessments—methods that provide more accurate insights than past explosive tests ever did, explains NTI’s Dimitri Kusnezov, former Chief Scientist at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
The world remains dangerously underprepared for future pandemics. A new G20 High Level Independent Panel report, Closing the Deal, outlines key steps to strengthen global financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
Read the report: bit.ly/pandemicfina...
Read the report: bit.ly/pandemicfina...
November 12, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The world remains dangerously underprepared for future pandemics. A new G20 High Level Independent Panel report, Closing the Deal, outlines key steps to strengthen global financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
Read the report: bit.ly/pandemicfina...
Read the report: bit.ly/pandemicfina...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
All countries remain dangerously unprepared for future pandemic threats. The world must work to prepare now, because the cost of inaction is far too high.
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
Pandemics are a choice
The end of pandemics is within reach. Why aren’t we acting like it?
www.vox.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:35 PM
All countries remain dangerously unprepared for future pandemic threats. The world must work to prepare now, because the cost of inaction is far too high.
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
"Reprocessing belongs to a bygone era—not today’s nuclear energy resurgence. It has failed on cost, failed on security, and failed to deliver real benefits." www.nti.org/risky-busine...
To Lead in Nuclear Energy, the U.S. and Korea Must Avoid the Reprocessing Trap
One of the most consequential decisions countries will face is whether to take a costly detour into nuclear fuel reprocessing, a technology that has failed every promise it has made.
www.nti.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
"Reprocessing belongs to a bygone era—not today’s nuclear energy resurgence. It has failed on cost, failed on security, and failed to deliver real benefits." www.nti.org/risky-busine...
'The BWC has a really important role in shaping the intent of states, making the norm really strong, and making the consequences of violating the norm unacceptable' — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social joins Global Dispatches to discuss the BWC and ways to strengthen the treaty.
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
When Treaties Work: The Biological Weapons Convention
YouTube video by Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 9:56 PM
'The BWC has a really important role in shaping the intent of states, making the norm really strong, and making the consequences of violating the norm unacceptable' — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social joins Global Dispatches to discuss the BWC and ways to strengthen the treaty.
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
USAID saved more lives per dollar than any US agency — delivering impact through cooperation, not coercion. The agency's destruction has caused the deaths an estimated 600,000, mostly children—and the toll will continue to rise.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
www.newyorker.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:41 PM
USAID saved more lives per dollar than any US agency — delivering impact through cooperation, not coercion. The agency's destruction has caused the deaths an estimated 600,000, mostly children—and the toll will continue to rise.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
To younger generations, nuclear threats often feel like a thing of the past. Engaging requires new tools, like art and film, to connect with people in ways they understand and humanize the issues. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Why A House of Dynamite is a Wake-Up Call for Gen Z
To younger generations, nuclear threats often feel like a thing of the past. Engaging Gen Z requires new tools, like art and film, to connect with people in ways they understand and humanize the issue...
www.nti.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:27 AM
To younger generations, nuclear threats often feel like a thing of the past. Engaging requires new tools, like art and film, to connect with people in ways they understand and humanize the issues. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
“Wise American policy would maintain, rather than disrupt, patterns of interdependence that strengthen American power, both the hard power derived from trade relationships and the soft power of attraction.” www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-rese...
Soft power: Not just winning hearts and minds, but saving lives
Harvard Kennedy School's Professor Joseph Nye has transformed the way we think about international relations.
www.hks.harvard.edu
November 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM
“Wise American policy would maintain, rather than disrupt, patterns of interdependence that strengthen American power, both the hard power derived from trade relationships and the soft power of attraction.” www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-rese...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
"The only way to prevent another catastrophic nuclear detonation is to eliminate nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth. We can never be safe while living in a house made of dynamite," writes Hiroshima governor and president of Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace, Hidehiko Yuzaki.
Fictional nuclear threat serves a reminder of the past horrors, potential devastation
The governor of Hiroshima hopes those who watch Netflix's "A House of Dynamite" — in which a deadly missile rushes toward Chicago — think about the risks of nuclear weapons and long term effects an…
chicago.suntimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
"The only way to prevent another catastrophic nuclear detonation is to eliminate nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth. We can never be safe while living in a house made of dynamite," writes Hiroshima governor and president of Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace, Hidehiko Yuzaki.