Ian Watson, Assistant Director for Biotechnology and Biosecurity at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President (EOP)
Mr. Watson is the Assistant Director for Biotechnology and Biosecurity at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) whose mission is to ensure America is the world leader in science and technology. To that end, OSTP’s work focuses on unleashing discovery and innovation across the Research and Development (R&D) enterprise, building the workforce of the future, and advancing American values at home and abroad.
Mr. Watson leads a large biologically-related portfolio to include OSTP’s National Bioeconomy Initiative and co-chairs the Biodefense Research and Development Subcommittee (BDRD), Biological Sciences Subcommittee (BSSC), Research and Development Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Scientific Collections Interagency Working Group under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) for the President. Additionally, Mr. Watson is responsible for Planetary Protection policy development, Electromagnetic Pulse R&D implementation, and National Resilience and Critical and Emerging Technology (C&ET) work with National Security Council (NSC) counterparts.
Mr. Watson is detailed to OSTP from the Department of Defense, where he has previously served in multiple positions as a leader for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction research, development, implementation, policy; and managing and developing interagency and international relationships. Mr. Watson’s graduate background includes degrees in international relations, biodefense, and public health.