Enhancing Cooperation on Critical and Emerging Technologies through Exchange Programs

This week, the Department of State launched two International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchanges focused on expanding international partnerships and collaborations to promote STEM education and strengthen capacity in critical and emerging technology (CET) fields.

From November 4-22, 2024, 11 government officials, business and nonprofit leaders, and academic professionals from Australia, India, and Japan will participate in the "Empowering Women Leaders in STEM in the Quad" IVLP exchange.  During this program, participants will visit Washington, DC; Indianapolis, IN; Kalamazoo, MI; Las Vegas, NV; and Sacramento and San Francisco, CA, to explore ways to expand women's roles in STEM innovation ecosystems, particularly in CET fields.  Meetings will also examine successful public-private partnership models designed to accelerate student learning in STEM subjects, especially for women and girls, in all of their diversity.

From November 4 - 22, 2024, six public policy experts, researchers, and academic professionals from Australia and the United Kingdom will visit Washington, DC; Norfolk, VA; Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; and Honolulu, HI, for an IVLP exchange focused on strengthening cooperation on advanced defense capabilities and critical technologies in support of AUKUS Pillar II.  During this program, participants will engage with U.S. defense innovation experts and STEM education professionals on strategies to expand partnerships with academic and research facilities, promote innovation in critical and emerging technologies, and foster youth engagement in STEM fields.  Meetings and site visits will also examine workforce development in the submarine industry and breakthroughs in advanced technologies, including quantum, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program.  For press inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at [email protected].