The JALLC has always maintained a strong connection with the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO), in particular with regard to the System Analysis and Studies (SAS) Panel which the JALLC's Principal Operational Research Analyst, Ms Jackie Eaton is involved with, often collaborating on Lessons Learned related studies and events such as the Workshop on Enhancing Lessons Learned through Semantic Representation  that took place last year. As such  the JALLC was delighted to support a ground breaking summer school in Munich, Germany, organized by the STO SAS Panel and co-hosted by the Universität der Bundeswehr and Bundeswehr Office for Defence Planning. The event brought together 35 selected students, junior military officers, and young professionals from Germany, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, and Switzerland.

The primary goal of the event was to facilitate educational and scientific knowledge transfer to younger generations, enhancing their involvement in NATO research activities. The multinational organizing team curated a diverse and engaging program focused on operations research and analysis, including a hands-on wargame.

In his opening remarks, Major General Wolfgang Gäbelein, Director of the Bundeswehr Office for Defence Planning, emphasized the need for NATO to harness scientific support from top talents to fully exploit new technologies. “Maintaining a technological edge over adversaries requires winning the competition for talented brains,” stated General Gäbelein.

Ms. Jacqueline Eaton, the JALLC’s Principal Operational Research Analyst, was an invited speaker.

She explained NATO’s consensus decision making model, and highlighted how analysis contributes to NATO's crucial decision-making processes. She shared her extensive experience conducting JALLC analysis projects that cover a wide range of complex NATO-wide issues. Ms. Eaton’s insights underscored the JALLC’s pivotal role in preparing the Alliance for future challenges. You can download copies of JALLC’s summary factsheets highlighting key JALLC Analysis projects over the years HERE.

In their closing remarks, Professor Stefan Pickl from Universität der Bundeswehr and Colonel Matthias Kinkel from the Bundeswehr Office for Defence Planning noted that this initial edition would catalyse a series of future summer schools focused on decision-making across NATO. "The competition for the smartest young scientific talents is ongoing. We will continue our efforts to offer attractive career opportunities," concluded Colonel Kinkel.

The JALLC’s participation in the event highlighted its vital role in advancing NATO’s mission through expert analysis and informing decision-making processes. Ms Eaton noted, “It was a great opportunity to connect with talented young scientists and present what the JALLC does for NATO and its overall role in contributing to improvement and adaptation of the Alliance.”