Scott Nolan Smith
@scottnolansmith.com
Comms @nti.org with a focus on our global biological, nuclear, and AI & emerging tech programs.
International affairs, global security, science, tech, health, coffee, travel + more.
☕🗺⚽️📷👨💻
📍 Washington, DC area
🔗 http://scottnolansmith.com
International affairs, global security, science, tech, health, coffee, travel + more.
☕🗺⚽️📷👨💻
📍 Washington, DC area
🔗 http://scottnolansmith.com
"If our safety systems are designed to only flash red for the apocalypse, we will miss the warning signals leading up to it." time.com/7373405/weap...
The Weapons of Mass Destruction AI Security Gap
The AI security ecosystem is overly focused on preventing pandemic-level attacks, creating a dangerous blind spot.
time.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:46 PM
"If our safety systems are designed to only flash red for the apocalypse, we will miss the warning signals leading up to it." time.com/7373405/weap...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
The current U.S. biodefense model assumes threats shaped by biology’s constraints. AI-driven tools allow those constraints to be engineered away.
Biodefense Blind Spot: Why Washington Confuses Pandemics with Bioweapons
The next great biological threat may not begin in a wet market, a jungle, or a laboratory accident. It may begin on a laptop with a commercially available
warontherocks.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:01 AM
The current U.S. biodefense model assumes threats shaped by biology’s constraints. AI-driven tools allow those constraints to be engineered away.
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
Testing nuclear weapons is
🚫Unnecessary for U.S. national security
🚫Unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same
🚫Unwelcome in communities close to the test site www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
🚫Unnecessary for U.S. national security
🚫Unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same
🚫Unwelcome in communities close to the test site www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
Newly Unbound, Trump Weighs More Nuclear Arms and Underground Tests
It remains to be seen whether the three big nuclear powers are headed into a new arms race, or whether President Trump is trying to spur negotiations on a new accord now that a last Cold War treaty…
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Testing nuclear weapons is
🚫Unnecessary for U.S. national security
🚫Unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same
🚫Unwelcome in communities close to the test site www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
🚫Unnecessary for U.S. national security
🚫Unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same
🚫Unwelcome in communities close to the test site www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
What do Americans love more than apple pie? Arms control.
91% support capping U.S. & Russian nukes—only 79% like apple pie.
@nti.org's “Keep a Cap on Nukes” campaign took over DC to highlight Trump's long-held view that nuclear weapons must be reined in.
www.nti.org/risky-busine...
91% support capping U.S. & Russian nukes—only 79% like apple pie.
@nti.org's “Keep a Cap on Nukes” campaign took over DC to highlight Trump's long-held view that nuclear weapons must be reined in.
www.nti.org/risky-busine...
What Do Americans Love More than Apple Pie? Arms Control.
In a political climate that feels more divided than ever, it seems nearly impossible to agree on anything—except, as it turns out, arms control. A YouGov poll commissioned by NTI and ReThink Media fou...
www.nti.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:53 PM
What do Americans love more than apple pie? Arms control.
91% support capping U.S. & Russian nukes—only 79% like apple pie.
@nti.org's “Keep a Cap on Nukes” campaign took over DC to highlight Trump's long-held view that nuclear weapons must be reined in.
www.nti.org/risky-busine...
91% support capping U.S. & Russian nukes—only 79% like apple pie.
@nti.org's “Keep a Cap on Nukes” campaign took over DC to highlight Trump's long-held view that nuclear weapons must be reined in.
www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
The last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia, New START, just expired.
For the first time in several decades, there will be no limits on nuclear weapons and fewer tools to manage a crisis between the world’s largest nuclear powers.
For the first time in several decades, there will be no limits on nuclear weapons and fewer tools to manage a crisis between the world’s largest nuclear powers.
February 5, 2026 at 8:16 PM
The last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia, New START, just expired.
For the first time in several decades, there will be no limits on nuclear weapons and fewer tools to manage a crisis between the world’s largest nuclear powers.
For the first time in several decades, there will be no limits on nuclear weapons and fewer tools to manage a crisis between the world’s largest nuclear powers.
This legislation will enable responsible scientific progress, reinforce U.S. biotechnology leadership, and strengthen national and global security. www.nti.org/news/nti-end...
NTI endorses the bipartisan Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026, led by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). This bill creates an important opportunity to incentivize a safe and secure U.S. bioeconomy through strengthened biosecurity policy.
February 4, 2026 at 8:56 PM
This legislation will enable responsible scientific progress, reinforce U.S. biotechnology leadership, and strengthen national and global security. www.nti.org/news/nti-end...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
If Congress doesn’t act, the last nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia will expire. It would pointlessly wipe out decades of diplomacy, and could spark another arms race that makes the world less safe. This piece is worth the read.
Opinion | Let the Arms Race Begin
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:01 PM
If Congress doesn’t act, the last nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia will expire. It would pointlessly wipe out decades of diplomacy, and could spark another arms race that makes the world less safe. This piece is worth the read.
Pandemic risk extends beyond public health. Industry plays a vital role in preparing for future epidemics and pandemics and global health security data can help business leaders make key decisions. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
The Next Crisis Won’t Wait: Why Pandemic Preparedness Is a Business Imperative
Global health security —the ability to protect against the negative impacts of disease outbreaks — is too important to be left solely to the public sector. Industry has a vital interest in helping cou...
www.nti.org
January 30, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Pandemic risk extends beyond public health. Industry plays a vital role in preparing for future epidemics and pandemics and global health security data can help business leaders make key decisions. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
New @nti.org paper urges AIxBio developers and other stakeholders to adopt managed access—restricting high‑risk biological AI tools to validated users—to reduce the risk of deliberate misuse. www.nti.org/news/new-nti...
New NTI Framework Tackles Misuse Risks in AIxBio Tools
New NTI | bio paper calls on tool developers and other AIxBio stakeholders to implement a managed access approach—allowing only validated users to access those biological AI models that contribute to ...
www.nti.org
January 28, 2026 at 9:47 PM
New @nti.org paper urges AIxBio developers and other stakeholders to adopt managed access—restricting high‑risk biological AI tools to validated users—to reduce the risk of deliberate misuse. www.nti.org/news/new-nti...
America may be divided — but not on arms control. Keep a Cap on Nukes.
In September 2025, Putin publicly proposed that the U.S. and Russia mutually observe New START limits for one additional year after the last remaining arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia expires this February. The U.S. has yet to provide a formal public response to this proposal.
January 28, 2026 at 8:41 PM
America may be divided — but not on arms control. Keep a Cap on Nukes.
Join @nti.org virtually for the release of NTI | bio's latest paper, "A Framework for Managed Access to Biological AI Tools" on January 28. Learn about safeguarding innovation while supporting responsible use of biological AI tools. #AIxBio www.nti.org/events/aixbi...
AIxBio: A Framework for Managed Access
Experts will discuss NTI | bio’s new report, A Framework for Managed Access to Biological AI Tools, recommendations, and building guardrails for biosecurity.
www.nti.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Join @nti.org virtually for the release of NTI | bio's latest paper, "A Framework for Managed Access to Biological AI Tools" on January 28. Learn about safeguarding innovation while supporting responsible use of biological AI tools. #AIxBio www.nti.org/events/aixbi...
POLL: 91% of American voters say the U.S. should negotiate a new nuclear weapons agreement with Russia to either maintain current limits or further reduce both countries’ arsenals. www.nti.org/news/america...
Americans Across Party Lines Want the U.S. to Keep Nuclear Limits with Russia, New Poll Finds
As the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear limitations treaty expires on Feb. 5, an overwhelming majority of Americans (91 percent) say the United States should negotiate a new agreement with Russia to...
www.nti.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:41 PM
POLL: 91% of American voters say the U.S. should negotiate a new nuclear weapons agreement with Russia to either maintain current limits or further reduce both countries’ arsenals. www.nti.org/news/america...
"Edelman's data points to a shift in where authority now resides: away from institutions that persuade across differences, and toward figures who command trust within fragments." www.axios.com/2026/01/16/e...
Exclusive: Global trust data finds our shared reality is collapsing
Democracy, markets and social cohesion all depend on some shared understanding of facts and legitimacy.
www.axios.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:21 PM
"Edelman's data points to a shift in where authority now resides: away from institutions that persuade across differences, and toward figures who command trust within fragments." www.axios.com/2026/01/16/e...
What does 2026 hold for global development? youtu.be/7syIM6-sXVc?...
#127: What does 2026 hold for global development?
YouTube video by Devex
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 7:38 PM
What does 2026 hold for global development? youtu.be/7syIM6-sXVc?...
Mirror life may be hypothetical, but its risks are real. It operates outside the assumptions that underpin modern biosafety + biosecurity. We need to address governance now. Aparupa Sengupta, PhD outlines concrete steps to get ahead of the risks. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Mirror Life Threats: Risks & Governance Solutions — Explained
Mirror life operates outside the assumptions that underpin modern biosafety, biosecurity, and medical surveillance, meaning the policy challenge is not only what to regulate — but how to govern a tech...
www.nti.org
January 16, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Mirror life may be hypothetical, but its risks are real. It operates outside the assumptions that underpin modern biosafety + biosecurity. We need to address governance now. Aparupa Sengupta, PhD outlines concrete steps to get ahead of the risks. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
NTI | bio was at #JPM2026 this week with industry leaders to discuss where the healthcare system is most exposed, and how stronger international coordination and preparedness can reduce risk while safeguarding long-term value.
Listen now. ⤵️
jpmorgan.metameetings.net/events/healt...
Listen now. ⤵️
jpmorgan.metameetings.net/events/healt...
January 15, 2026 at 3:04 PM
NTI | bio was at #JPM2026 this week with industry leaders to discuss where the healthcare system is most exposed, and how stronger international coordination and preparedness can reduce risk while safeguarding long-term value.
Listen now. ⤵️
jpmorgan.metameetings.net/events/healt...
Listen now. ⤵️
jpmorgan.metameetings.net/events/healt...
HSToday highlights @nti.org‘s new framework for life science funders. Funders play a key role in shaping how life science research is conducted and this tool helps evaluate research proposals to assess biosafety and biosecurity risks. www.hstoday.us/subject-matt...
Nuclear Threat Initiative Issues Guidance for Funders on Assessing Biosafety and Biosecurity Risks in Research - HSToday
The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) has released new guidance aimed at helping research funders better assess biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with life sciences projects involving infectiou...
www.hstoday.us
January 9, 2026 at 2:28 PM
HSToday highlights @nti.org‘s new framework for life science funders. Funders play a key role in shaping how life science research is conducted and this tool helps evaluate research proposals to assess biosafety and biosecurity risks. www.hstoday.us/subject-matt...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
"Negotiations on how to continue New START limits for an additional year should begin immediately, as should talks with Russia and China on avoiding a dangerous arms race."
Read our President and CEO's full statement on President Trump’s reported comments on the upcoming expiration of New START. ⤵️
Read our President and CEO's full statement on President Trump’s reported comments on the upcoming expiration of New START. ⤵️
Statement from NTI President and CEO Christine E. Wormuth on President Trump’s reported comments to The New York Times on the upcoming expiration of New START
NTI encourages the United States and the Russian Federation to continue to abide by New START’s limits on intercontinental-range nuclear weapons past its scheduled expiration on February 5, 2026.
www.nti.org
January 9, 2026 at 1:36 AM
"Negotiations on how to continue New START limits for an additional year should begin immediately, as should talks with Russia and China on avoiding a dangerous arms race."
Read our President and CEO's full statement on President Trump’s reported comments on the upcoming expiration of New START. ⤵️
Read our President and CEO's full statement on President Trump’s reported comments on the upcoming expiration of New START. ⤵️
Listen to Clippy.
In one month, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia expires.
Learn more: www.nti.org/education-ce...
Learn more: www.nti.org/education-ce...
January 6, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Listen to Clippy.
"𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵." Hugh Sullivan reflects on @nti.org's mission and work, and how you can help turn global risks into action. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Turning Risk into Action
The way we talk about risk shapes what gets done and who plays a role. Hugh Sullivan, NTI’s vice president for development explores how storytelling, tailored messaging, and a focus on agency can turn...
www.nti.org
January 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
"𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵." Hugh Sullivan reflects on @nti.org's mission and work, and how you can help turn global risks into action. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
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.