CRDF Global and the Middle East Scientific Institute for Security Form Strategic Partnership to Expand CBRN Defense in the Middle East and North Africa

ARLINGTON, VA—CRDF Global and the Middle East Scientific Institute for Security (MESIS) announced today a partnership agreement to pursue shared opportunities that build regional capacity and security through science and technology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Through this new strategic partnership, CRDF Global and MESIS will provide robust, sustainable, regional solutions to partners interested in furthering security initiatives in the MENA region. Established in 2002, the Amman-based MESIS is recognized as one of the leading institutions working in the area of CBRN risk mitigation across the MENA region. In 2012, the European Union and Jordan selected MESIS to host the Regional Secretariat covering Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon under the EU “Centres of Excellence” initiative.

As a regional organization acutely familiar with the region’s needs and culture, MESIS is uniquely positioned to identify, design and implement capacity programs in a sustainable manner through an extensive network of regional experts. This approach, combined with CRDF Global’s understanding of U.S. government funders and expertise in project management, technical trainings, facility assessments, curriculum development, event management, and logistics will provide a comprehensive offering to clients.
At the signing ceremony held in Amman this month, the Managing Director of MESIS, Al-Sharif Nasser Bin Nasser, expressed his belief that the partnership will leverage a unique set of capabilities offered by both organizations. “This will only serve to strengthen regional security and stability, a key mission of both organizations.”

CRDF Global President and CEO Mike Dignam also mirrored these comments during the ceremony. “We are excited to partner with MESIS to expand on CRDF Global’s 20-year history of empowering researchers, companies, and government agencies to meet critical international security objectives. MESIS’s proven ability to develop multi-sectoral approaches to address regional risks makes this partnership a natural fit.” He also added that the partnership is an important step in the organization’s global strategy to partner with regional organizations, like MESIS, who have the relationships and understanding of the regional needs, adding, “combining it with CRDF Global’s program management capability and capacity to deliver world class solutions to our clients, is a win-win for everyone.”
About CRDF GlobalCRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes safety, security, and sustainability through science and innovation. Established in 1995, CRDF Global promotes international science and technology collaboration through grants, technical resources, training, and services. CRDF Global manages funding programs that foster collaboration between researchers from across boarders who work in the common language of science an innovation. The organization supports emerging science and technology infrastructure in more than 40 countries in Eurasia, the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
About MESISMESIS is an independent Jordanian non-governmental organization based in Amman, Jordan and part of the Royal Scientific Society. MESIS was established in 2002 under its previous name, the Cooperative Monitoring Center, Amman.  MESIS is also host of the Middle East Regional Secretariat of the European Union’s “Centres of Excellence” initiative on CBRN issues, the first to become operational worldwide.