Bonjour from Belgium

I joined the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) about 17 years ago and have enjoyed a varied career, working in different Dstl roles and secondments. In August of last year, I started a secondment as the senior scientific advisor supporting NATO's chief scientist, who is the principal advisor providing evidence-based advice to senior-level political and military decision-makers. I am now settled into Belgium life and have been enjoying delicious Belgium chocolate and beer, as well as spending some of my time exploring Europe.

My typical workday starts around 8am. As I walk down the long corridor to the office, I can smell freshly brewed espresso coffee being made in the staff break-out room. We are a truly international team in the Office of the Chief Scientist. I work with colleagues from Germany, Italy, Norway, Romania, Spain and the United States, who are all puzzled as to why I don't drink coffee, preferring to start my day with a big cup of tea! I work in an open plan office and while English and French are NATO's official languages, I can hear 'good morning' greetings in different languages as colleagues effortlessly switch between languages. 

Setting the priorities for the day

At the beginning of each morning, we have a senior leadership team check-in meeting chaired by the chief scientist. These meetings were started during the Covid lockdowns and have continued since we returned to the office as they are a useful way of ensuring everyone is up to speed on the priorities for the day.

The rest of my day includes writing and reviewing chief scientist presentations or reports, such as the Science and Technology Trends Report that is published every two years and informs NATO strategy and policy on emerging and disruptive technologies. 

NATO committee meetings

I also attend NATO committee meetings with representatives from the 32 nations that make up the NATO Alliance. These committees form an indispensable part of the alliance's decision-making process. They provide the framework within which member countries can exchange information on a variety of subjects, consult with each other and take decisions by consensus and common accord.

The meeting rooms are very impressive, and I still pinch myself every time I am in the main conference room, where the North Atlantic Council meets. As well as these formal meetings, I often have informal meetings over a cup of coffee (or tea) with colleagues across the headquarters.

My days are busy and before I know it, it's time to leave the office and head home to continue practising beginners French with my online teacher.  

You can find out more about NATO's Science & Technology Organisation here: https://www.sto.nato.int/Pages/default.aspx