NATO appointed Steen Søndergaard as NATO’s new Chief Scientist on July 1, 2025. The North Atlantic Council’s appointment of Søndergaard represents NATO’s commitment to scientific rigor and the direction and impact of technological innovation over quickly evolving global security threats. The Chief Scientist role is a valid and unique role for NATO, because it links innovative studies that reflect on the evidence of advanced science or technology and the related implications for defense planning, while also supporting how NATO monitors advanced or diverging technology or science that will become many security threats in the global environment.
Who is Steen Søndergaard?
Steen Søndergaard is a noted Danish defense and technology thought leader and has a long history in military research and development. Søndergaard will be a key asset as NATO works to stay ahead of a rapidly changing technology landscape in areas such as cybersecurity, drone warfare, and space defense.
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Future-Focused Vision for NATO
NATO is not only going to lean in to the technological changes that are playing an immensely disruptive role in 21st century warfare under Søndergaard’s leadership, it will increase investment in AI, quantum, bioengineering (and ), space security etc. The appointment indicates NATO wants to maintain a serious focus on innovation in its defence plans. Søndergaard will also be working to harmonize with Allies and the scientific realm to ensure interoperability and ethical compliance in the new way the alliance will use technology.
While Søndergaard’s tenure begins at a time with unprecedented global tensions, threats of cyber war, and enduring technology races, he will play a critical role in the alliance aligning military capabilities with cutting edge research that can ensure NATO retains not just strategic advantage, but collective security. click here for source
