The inaugural CNTR Technology and Science Policy (TASP) Summit was held on April 26, 2026 at Brown University. The student-led event brought together experts from across the country to share insights from industry, academia, and government with the Brown University community. The TASP Summit was designed to bridge the gap between research and governance by creating a space for students and experts to discuss strategies for translating science into policy and real-world impact. Over 50 attendees gathered in Providence for an inspiring day of keynotes, panel discussions, and connection. 

The summit kicked off with a keynote address titled, “Science and Tech Policy Matters”, which was delivered by our very own Dr. Suresh Venkatasubramanian, a professor of computer science and data science at Brown, as well as the director of the CNTR. Suresh’s keynote identified the roots of science’s influence in the United States government, beginning with the Morrill Act. The talk ended with a call to consider how future researchers and policy makers can navigate the ever-changing landscape of tech and science policy.

The summit also featured panelists with diverse areas of expertise. The first panel, “The Role of Policy and Academia in Innovation”, was moderated by Emily Hong and featured Matt Mande from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Aleja Jimenez Jaramillo from the Boston Department of Innovation and Technology (DOIT), and Michelle Ding, a Ph.D. student at the CNTR. The panelists discussed their personal experiences in relation to the larger roles of local government, interdisciplinary research, and think tanks in the tech policy ecosystem.

Next, a panel on “The Intersection of Industry and Academia”, was moderated by Terren Wise and featured Sarah Rovito from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Dr. Arun Seraphin from the Emerging Technologies Institute, and Dean Tejal Desai, the dean of the Department of Engineering here at Brown. The panelists discussed incentive structures in academia and industry, covering topics such as the defense sector, innovation, and research grants among a fast-changing landscape.

Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo also shared recorded remarks with an encouraging message on making a place for technology and science in the governance space. 

The summit was entirely student-led and student-organized, with generous support from the CNTR. Terren Wise ‘26 and Emily Hong ‘26.5 saw a gap between the fast-moving science and engineering fields at universities and the way policy was being implemented across the country.  Creating this event was a way to help bridge that gap. The inaugural Summit demonstrated the growing importance of bringing together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and students to address today’s most pressing technological challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, the summit highlighted Brown’s unique role in shaping the future of science and technology policy.

As TASP continues to grow, the organizers hope to build a lasting community committed to turning research into real-world impact and empowering the next generation of leaders at the intersection of science, technology, and policy.