The Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme is a policy tool that enhances cooperation and dialogue with all partners, based on scientific research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. The SPS Programme provides funding, expert advice, and support to security-relevant activities jointly developed by a NATO member and partner country.
Founded in 1958, the Programme contributes towards the Alliance’s core goals and promotes regional cooperation through scientific projects and activities. Over its long history, the SPS Programme has continuously adapted to the demands of the times. To this end, a comprehensive reorientation of the Programme took place in 2013, which gave SPS a renewed focus on larger scale strategic activities beyond purely scientific cooperation.
The SPS Programme now promotes civil, security-related practical cooperation, and focuses on a growing range of contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, defence against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents, cyber defence, energy security and environmental concerns, as well as human and social aspects of security, such as the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325).
The Programme provides the Alliance with distinctive, non-military communication channels, including in situations where other forms of dialogue are difficult to establish. Accordingly, SPS often serves as the first concrete link between NATO and a partner.
Detailed conditions of the program can be found here.