Dr. Ralf Heckner,

Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States,

in collaboration with the

Global Strategic Studies Conference

cordially invites you to join the

PIPS Alumni Network & Young Professionals in Foreign Policy

for a fireside conversation with

Caitlin Frazer

National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)

The defense industry is experiencing a revolution as emerging biotechnology, combined with artificial intelligence, transforms military capabilities across manufacturing, infrastructure, and combat operations. Today’s defense production relies heavily on environmentally harmful "forever chemicals" like PFAS, used in firefighting foam and fire-retardant materials, which contaminate water and soil. Biotechnology offers a sustainable alternative by enabling domestic biomanufacturing of critical products—from rocket propellant and bioderived jet fuel to ship coatings and military textiles—while providing bioremediation technologies that can break down PFAS pollutants.

If you're a young professional interested in shaping the future of national security and environmental sustainability, don't miss this opportunity to hear from leading biotechnology experts led in conversation by the Executive Director of the NSCEB. This event will showcase how biology and engineering are converging to solve some of our most pressing defense and environmental challenges while creating new career opportunities across the country.

We look forward to welcoming you to meet this distinguished panel of biotechnology experts in a fireside conversation followed by reception in the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence, 2920 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008.

Questions: tracy@pipsalumni.org

RSVP by: Wednesday, January 7, 2025

In light of the news that the Project on International Peace & Security will be taking a three-year hiatus, the PIPS Alumni Network will host two Zoom Town Halls to allow all of us an opportunity to discuss and digest the news among friends. We hope you will register for one of the options offered and look forward to seeing you virtually. While we cannot offer any additional details on the hiatus, we can provide a forum for discussion and updates about the PIPS Alumni Network efforts and programming for the remainder of the year.

Please REGISTER HERE to join the Zoom meeting.

In light of the news that the Project on International Peace & Security will be taking a three-year hiatus, the PIPS Alumni Network will host two Zoom Town Halls to allow all of us an opportunity to discuss and digest the news among friends. We hope you will register for one of the options offered and look forward to seeing you virtually. While we cannot offer any additional details on the hiatus, we can provide a forum for discussion and updates about the PIPS Alumni Network efforts and programming for the remainder of the year.

Please REGISTER HERE to join the Zoom meeting.

Please join us January 27th for the 2024 Holiday Party!

Join the PIPS Alumni Network at The DACOR Bacon House to celebrate the new year and reconnect with old friends at this year's Holiday Party. Doors open at 6:00 pm and a light dinner will be served at 7:00 pm. Wine and beer will be served throughout the evening.

Tickets are $25 per individual for PIPS Alumni, including those who have been Military Fellows and Mentors, and their guests. Current students may attend free of charge!* Cocktail attire is requested.

Please RSVP HERE to join us in festive celebration.

If you have not recently provided a current mailing address, please update your address here to receive your invitation.

*Current students, please email info@pipsalumni.com for RSVP instructions.

Join us July 27 at Archpelago on U Street, DC for an alumni happy hour organized by Jared Vallejos.

This month’s conversation topic is “The United States Rejoins UNESCO - does this counter Chinese international influence?” Some prereading for those interested:

• The United States Must Rejoin UNESCO for Its Perpetuum Mobile, Harvard International Review (July 27, 2021)

• UNESCO member states expected to approve US decision to rejoin the UN's cultural agency, Associated Press (June 29, 2023)

• UNESCO Press Release On US Rejoining the Organization, UNESCO (June 30, 2023)

PIPS Alumni guests are welcome and no RSVP is required for this event.

Jared Vallejos (‘15-16) hosts the Alumni Network for our 2023 Summer Celebration. Join us for a fun evening of good food and better company.

All the Details are Below!

Come as you are and feel free to bring a friend:

• Traditional tacos, wine, and beer will be served.

• Arrival: several metrobus stops and street parking are available nearby. The closest metro stop is Howard/Shaw, but expect an extensive walk. Rideshare is recommended.

• Enter the basement apartment to join the festivities.

• Lost? Need more info? Find contact info for the organizers in your email invitation.

Drop by, grab some refreshments, and mingle with other alumni!

Registration for this event is FREE and open to PIPS alumni and their guests. We ask that you RSVP here to provide our team with an accurate attendance count.

Join us May 23 at Sonoma Cellars in Old Town Alexandria for a happy hour and wine tasting organized by Jared Vallejos.

This month’s conversation topic is “International Trade Compliance in a new era of Great Power Competition.” Some prereading for those interested:

• NSA Jake Sullivan’s “Inflection Point” speech, announcing a national security strategy pivot (October 12, 2022)

• Joint Leader’s Statement on AUKUS (March 23, 2023)

• HFAC Member Roundtable on AUKUS and Arms Exports Modernization (April 18, 2023)

• Testimony by Hon Jessica Lewis (P-M Affairs) and Hon Mara Karlin (DOD Strategy, Plans, & Capabilities) for HFAC Hearing: Modernizing U.S. Arms Exports and a Stronger AUKUS (Dated May 10th, hearing postponed)

PIPS Alumni guests are welcome and no RSVP is required for this event.