Our History and Mission

The accelerating pace of technological and scientific innovation has created new challenges in areas such as environmental sustainability, cybersecurity, radical ideologies, and modern warfare. The STIA program focuses on preparing students to understand the scientific and technological underpinnings of these global issues and their implications for policy.

Originally established to address the intersection of scientific advancement and international relations during the Cold War and heightened environmental awareness, STIA has evolved to focus on contemporary global issues such as sustainable development, cybersecurity, and global health. The program has grown from a certificate within the International Politics major to a full undergraduate program, offering students a rigorous and interdisciplinary education.

Mission and Areas of Research Focus

The STIA program educates students on the interactions between science, technology, and international affairs, focusing on issues such as business, security, energy, development, and the environment. The program emphasizes the integration of the natural and social sciences to address complex global challenges.

The program also supports interdisciplinary research that draws upon the strengths of Georgetown’s academic departments and the Washington, DC area, offering opportunities for students to engage with leading policymakers, scientists, and industry professionals.

The STIA program is supported by a diverse group of faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Our faculty are involved in research that spans global health, energy policy, cybersecurity, and more, contributing to an evolving understanding of the challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs.

More about our faculty…

STIA Students and Alumni

STIA graduates are working across various fields including government, industry, academia, and non-profits. Many have received prestigious fellowships and awards, including Rhodes Scholars, Truman Fellows, and Fulbright recipients, and have become leaders in sectors such as energy policy, cybersecurity, and global health.

STIA’s Role in Addressing Global Challenges

The STIA program offers its students a broad understanding of how science and technology influence public policy and shape global affairs. By integrating coursework in natural sciences, social sciences, and international policy, the program equips students with the analytical tools needed to assess the implications of emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and environmental challenges on governance and diplomacy.

Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on research opportunities, students gain both technical expertise and a deep understanding of policy frameworks, allowing them to navigate complex global issues effectively. STIA graduates are well-positioned to engage with pressing challenges such as climate change, global health crises, and international security threats. Whether examining the role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, assessing the policy implications of renewable energy transitions, or studying the spread of infectious diseases across borders, STIA students are trained to think critically about the intersection of science, technology, and policymaking.

Additionally, the program’s location in Washington, DC, provides students with direct access to policymakers, industry leaders, and research institutions, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. STIA graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and private sector companies, contributing their expertise to policy development, scientific innovation, and global problem-solving.