NATO Field School wins MINDS

Congratulations, NATO Field School, for being awarded the highly competitive MINDS award. As this year's recipient, the NATO Field School adds another accolade to its impressive roster that cements the program as truly important in the realm of international security training.

SFU's NATO Field School and Simulation Program is a full-time academic program, an intensive political science experience that combines coursework with experiential learning.

Open to senior undergraduate and graduate students from all NATO nations, the annual cohort visits several European countries and develops their negotiation and decision-making skills through simulations with mentorship from senior officials and diplomats.

Since launching in 2017, the NATO Field School has taught nearly 200 students who now study and work in national and international security and defence, law, diplomacy, policy analysis, strategic communication, and many more exciting fields. 

MINDS has long recognized the impact made by the NATO Field School program. The field school’s winning project, “NATO Student Security Engagement Conference and Simulation (NSX),” has qualified for a Targeted Engagement Grant in the amount of $50,000.00 CAD. 

The mission of the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) Program is to “incorporate diverse viewpoints and innovative approaches, foster the next generation of scholars, and strengthen Canadians’ understanding of defence and security issues.” MINDS Targeted Engagement Grants “aim to drive innovation in defence policy thinking and to foster the next generation of defence and security experts.”

MINDS provides opportunities for award-winners to collaborate with the Canadian Defence Team and the defence and security expert community. Keep an eye in these pages and online for more news to come about the implementation of this award.

Again, congratulations to Director Dr. Alexander Moens and the whole NATO Field School team!