Brazil Expo Sets International Stage for ONR Global to Exchange Ideas

By Rob Anastasio, Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

ARLINGTON (NNS) -- Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Global department will join forces with officials from the defense and security industries at the Latin America Aero and Defense (LAAD) Expo 2011, in Rio de Janeiro, April 12-15.

The biannual event features companies that specialize in supplying equipment and services for armed forces, police forces, special forces, security services, consultants and government agencies.

The Expo, which is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors and 550 exhibitors, supports ONR's goal of increasing collaboration within the international science and technology (S&T) community.

Will Fontan, regional director of the ONR Global Americas office in Santiago, Chile, said LAAD is an international stage to meet and greet government, industry and academia representatives as they showcase their science and technology efforts and products.

"ONR Global builds and fosters international connections, such as the LAAD expo, to discover new science and technology that addresses the future needs of the naval fleet and forces, and international partners," Fontan said. "ONR Global uses exchange visits, conferences, workshops and seed funding to enhance collaboration among Navy personnel, scientists and technologists around the world."

ONR Global has offices in Washington, London, Prague, Tokyo, Singapore and Santiago, Chile. As part of its mission, ONR Global pursues international collaborative partnerships with organizations conducting basic and early applied research. These partnerships enhance ONR's ability to identify and provide the science and technology necessary to maintain the technological edge for Navy and Marine Corps, as well as U.S. allies and partners.

The Department of the Navy's ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.