2012 was a year of great change in many countries where CRDF Global operates.  Continued political and societal transformations, coupled with fluctuations in global economic growth patterns, presented new opportunities and challenges for CRDF Global’s engagement efforts. As CRDF Global approaches its eighteenth anniversary, we continue to embrace change by working to expand and adapt our programs and services to meet the evolving interests of our clients and of the communities we serve in over forty countries.

2012 was also a year of significant breakthroughs in science. Achievements such as the discovery of the Higgs-Boson, the Curiosity Mars landing, and success in drilling through more than two miles of Antarctica ice to reach Lake Vostok, remind us of the excitement of scientific discovery. None of these breakthroughs happened overnight.  They are the result of years of hard work made possible by sustained investments in research and development. It is so important that our elected officials keep this in mind as they face tough budget decisions in the weeks and months to come. We need to continue to invest in research and development, and the education that underpins it, in order to ensure U.S. competitiveness and leadership in science and technology.   

Change is happening with CRDF Global as well. For the first time in many years, all headquarters staff members share one floor of our new building–an open floor plan office in Arlington, Virginia’s first LEED Platinum certified building. Change isn’t just about places; it is about people, too.  As we bid a fond farewell to Steve Wolk, who transitioned to semi-retirement after nine years as Chief Financial Officer, CRDF Global welcomes Wayne Harvey into the role. Wayne brings more than thirty years of financial and international experience.

We also bade farewell to three long-serving members of CRDF Global’ s distinguished Board of Directors.  We will miss Drs. Irma Gigli, John Moore and Victor Rabinowitch, who combined contributed thirty-seven years of inspired, dedicated service to CRDF Global.  We remain indebted to each of them, and thank them for helping us to grow CRDF Global while keeping us focused on our core mission of promoting global peace and economic prosperity through science and technology collaboration. Stay tuned to our website and future editions of Forge for upcoming news on new board directors.

In other news, CRDF Global relishes the opportunity we have to celebrate those who share our vision. Our organization’s highest honor is the annual George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation.  In 2012 we were pleased to present this award to Mr. William H. Draper III, Dr. David Hamburg, and Dr. Charles Vest. As you will see in the special article later in this Forge edition, these are three extraordinary individuals who have had incredible impact in their specific areas of work. It was a pleasure honoring them. I would like to add my personal thanks to all the sponsors who made the CRDF Global award event possible and who joined us in honoring three distinguished individuals.

Best wishes for a peaceful and productive 2013. We appreciate your continued interest and support of CRDF Global.