The work of scientists and researchers who study the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction will be supported by a $50 million grant over the next six years from the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the institution announced Monday.
The Science, Technology and Security Initiative seeks to increase the number of qualified scientists outside of government who are researching new security threats, foundation officials said.
“The number of specialists conducting independent research and analysis on weapons of mass destruction has decreased markedly, even as terrorism has grown,” said Jonathan F. Fanton, president of the MacArthur Foundation, in a statement.
The program awards grants totaling more than $12 million to create faculty positions at nine U.S. universities with programs in arms control or security, spokeswoman Jennifer Humke said. The University of Illinois’ Program on Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security will receive $1.35 million.
Funds totaling more than $2 million will be handed to research centers in England, Russia and China. Also 17 policy institutes will receive almost $8 million to help experts to coordinate their findings.
