The National Institute for Defense Health Cooperation (NIDHC) is both a federal interagency organization and component of the Uniformed Services University that seeks to advance the Nation’s medical and public health operational readiness for crisis and conflict. NIDHC recognizes that science and technology (S&T) hold incredible promise for advancing the health and well-being of our military, nation, and the world, but also poses incredible threats. The fast pace of technological advancement challenges our government and limits our leaders’ abilities to fully appreciate the threats and opportunities posed to the mission of protecting the health and safety of the American people. To meet this challenge, NIDHC is hosting an inaugural Summit called the World Changing Innovations in Science and Technology Summit on March 9, 11, 17, and 19, 2026 at 6720A Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817.

The purpose of this Summit is to ensure the operational response community remains informed about emerging science and technology innovations and threats. NIDHC has convened the Nation’s leading S&T subject matter experts to present cutting-edge advances and emerging risks across key domains, including advanced computing, biotechnology, space, and nuclear technologies. This biannual Summit provides participants with a comprehensive overview of recent developments, as well as the associated threats and opportunities they present. 

To ensure quality and relevance of the Summit’s content, we convened a technical planning committee with world experts from nearly all of the Nation’s leading federally funded labs as well as representatives from the ARPAs. The technical planning committee has helped to identify speakers and shape the scope and agendas of the Summit. To review the Summit's agendas, please click here.

Registration is required for this event. To complete your registration, please click here. Registration will close on February 27, 2026 at 5PM EST. 

Whether you’re an operator, first responder, clinician, scientist, or engineer, we welcome your participation at this event. Please join us!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the S&T Summit Team at STSummit@usuhs.edu. 

Other Details

Registration - registration is required for all attendees. To complete your registration, please click here. Registration will close on February 27, 2026 at 5PM EST.

Dress Code - civilians are encouraged to wear business casual attire and uniformed service personnel should wear their duty uniform/uniform of the day.

Refreshments - coffee and tea will be available at our meeting space. There is also a café located onsite and restaurants within driving distance.

Location & Parking - for more information on our venue (6720A Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817), please click here.

Photography Event Release - Please be aware that photography and videography will be taken at the World Changing Innovations in Science and Technology Summit during March 9-19, 2026 on behalf of NIDHC. By attending, you consent to your voice, name, and likeness being used, without compensation, in any and all media. This consent includes use now and in the future in all communication vehicles including, but not limited to social media, marketing, advertisements, and website promotion. This releases NIDHC and representatives acting in its behalf from any liability.

For more information, please click here for Frequently Asked Questions.