Welcome to the 2015 Annual Report 2015 was an amazing year for CRDF Global. We connected early innovators with inspiring mentors, led crucial trainings for chemical and nuclear specialists, supported successful projects to mitigate emerging and infectious diseases, and launched Breaking Barriers— our annual celebration of women scientists—to name just a few of our accomplishments. Paul Longsworth Chair, CRDF Global Board of Directors We also capitalized on our office location in Amman, from HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Jordan to expand our impact in the Middle East and North Royal Scientific Society, Jordan about the important role Africa (MENA) region. The theme for this year’s annual that science plays in building sustainable change and aiding report reflects our commitment to the science community diplomacy in the MENA region. in MENA and our growing initiatives to engage the talented As I reflect over 2015, I think about how much CRDF Global scientists and innovators there. Just like other regions, has grown. We proudly celebrated our 20th anniversary in scientists and innovators in the Middle East are tasked 2015—a huge milestone. And our longest serving President with combatting climate change and feeding overpopulated and CEO, Cathy Campbell, announced that she was stepping cities. They are developing lifesaving medical treatments down. Cathy has been involved with CRDF Global since its on limited budgets. And they are realizing that the best inception and joined the organization in 2002. For this annual research happens when we reach across borders to report, she looked back at her time with CRDF Global and collaborate. shared some thoughts. I invite you to read Cathy’s touching In the spirit of international science collaborations, this reflection in addition to the stories about CRDF Global’s year we are honored to share a personal perspective impact in MENA and beyond. Science and Innovation for Hope, Sustainability, and Growth Our world is changing at a rapid and often bewildering pace. In the midst of sometimes frightening flux, humankind’s ability to innovate can seem at odds with the actions—and inaction in vital areas such as peace-building and sustainable energy—that threaten to destabilize our communities and degrade our environment. Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint Hassan President, Royal Scientific Society, Jordan We face unprecedented challenges, yet we have Our region is indeed in need of local, regional and and programs between partners who respect each developed almost unimagined technologies in recent global innovation to create growth, stability, and hope. other’s goals and enhance each other’s capabilities. In decades. Between these two realities, we must We are so often portrayed as supremely challenged and CRDF Global, we were fortunate to find just such a endeavor to work together to create a future of perennially unpredictable, but this not a true reflection partner—an ally and a champion that shared our goals sustainability and opportunity. of the diverse and dynamic world of the Middle East and and matched our vision. This is the sort of partnership, of This is well within our grasp if we can learn to North Africa. Our networks must extend across and equal stakeholders, that delivers innovative solutions and cooperate and support one another in the common beyond our borders, and our willingness to engage with creatively engages assets on both sides. causes of durable development and science for others must push us to break through our comfort zone. This is why I am particularly pleased to introduce CRDF peace. The challenges facing our Middle East and But our partners abroad must also share our vision and Global’s 2015 annual report. This year the focus is on North Africa (MENA) region are collective and celebrate our heritage and potential. In order to engage recent advancements that CRDF Global has made in shared, but our responses so rarely are. Our people with those who can help in our drive to bring equal and science and innovation in the MENA region. These are inhabit closely-knit territories that face common durable development to our region, we must all be ready real examples of the role that science plays in developing threats posed by resource depletion, climate change, to open ourselves to the world. safer and healthier communities. Across the region, urbanization, poverty, and population growth. History At the Royal Scientific Society we understand that CRDF Global collaborates with local partners to advance has taught us that borders matter little in the face of working with partners who share our values, and public health, science diplomacy, and chemical security. such natural and manmade existential challenges, and complement our capacity, is a vital part of changing Their work proves that despite our diverse backgrounds, the region’s current predicament reminds us that we mindsets and informing policies that tackle these pressing we are all united in our desire to create a better world are all in this together. issues. We have seen the blossoming success of projects for future generations. Reflections of a CEO In 2015, I made one of the hardest decisions of my career. After much reflection and thoughtful conversations with family and friends, I announced that I would be stepping down from my position as President and CEO of CRDF Global. After 14 years, including 10 as President and CEO, it was difficult to imagine not being part of this amazing organization, which has evolved so much in two decades. As my final contribution to CRDF Global’s annual report, I thought I would leave you with some brief thoughts on the history of the organization and how Cathy Campbell we’ve expanded over the past 20 years. Former President & CEO, CRDF Global Early Beginnings Geographic Expansion The Future I first heard about CRDF Global when I was working CRDF Global began as a six-person operation focused CRDF Global has changed significantly in the last two on U.S.-U.S.S.R. science cooperation at the State exclusively on science and technology cooperation with 12 decades, and it will continue to change. Many of the Department. In 1992 Congress proposed that the U.S. Eurasian countries. Today, CRDF Global employs 140 staff priority topics for CRDF Global—public health; nuclear, government create a non-governmental organization members based in the U.S., the Middle East, and Eurasia. chemical and biological security; women in international to support science and technology cooperation with And we work in over 40 countries. science; science diplomacy; water and agriculture issues— Eurasian countries. Once the law was enacted, it took The decision a decade ago to expand geographically will remain priorities. But how and where we pursue another three years to secure funding and CRDF was difficult for the organization. We knew that the these priorities will change. We will design new programs Global opened its doors in 1995. organization would confront obstacles as we introduced and we will work in countries where we currently have That three-year process was a struggle, and several CRDF Global to new markets; identified local partners; little or no activity. We will work with new partners of us who were in government at the time had to adapted our programs to address the unique situation and new funders. But CRDF Global will continue to fight within the bureaucracy to keep the idea alive. in each new country; set up operational systems to work creatively, transparently, and responsibly to create Eventually, and thanks to the incredible efforts of enable the transfer of funds and equipment to scientists; opportunities for scientists and innovators to make the a small group of champions—including my CEO and earned the confidence of our funders. But we also world a better place. predecessors, Gerson Sher and Tom Owens, other understood the importance of international science CRDF Global’s future is bright. Our mission is compelling staff and board directors—CRDF Global opened engagement and the value of connecting scientists to build and our staff are deeply committed to pursuing that its doors in 1995 as the U.S. Civilian Research and bridges between countries and help solve pressing local, mission. We have strong relationships with funders and Development Foundation for the Independent States regional, or global problems. We forged ahead, and 10 clients and we have a healthy pipeline of future work. We of the Former Soviet Union. years later, much of CRDF Global’s activity takes place in take nothing for granted, and will continue to work hard the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. CRDF Global’s regional to achieve our mission, provide quality services on behalf office in Amman, Jordan is now our fastest growing of our funders and clients, and make a difference to the international office. They play a critical role as we expand thousands of scientists and entrepreneurs we engage. our programs, develop science diplomacy initiatives in the It has been an honor to serve CRDF Global and I wish it region, and partner with like-minded organizations, such great success in the future. as the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan. STATS In 2015, CRDF Global celebrated 20 years of promoting international science 553 collaboration. Working in 77 countries, Grants we helped over 3,000 scientists and innovators pursue their research and turn their ideas into reality. The best science is global science, and we are committed to supporting scientists 77 whoever they are, wherever they are. Countries 3,326 Scientists & innovators $28M In total grants funded www. CRDFglobalAnnualReport2015.org How Afghan Scientists are Boosting their Ability to Fight Deadly Diseases Though Afghanistan is not typically in the news for epidemics and public health crises, communities in the South Asian country have struggled against infectious diseases like brucellosis, avian influenza, Q-fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.