The Wilson Center's Technology Labs
The Wilson Center's Technology Labs provide the knowledge foundation for core science and technology policy topics through a six-week seminar themes series.
Sophie // Wilson Center
The Need
Emerging technology issues occupy a significant share of the Legislative and Executive Branch agendas; every day, staff advise Members on digital policy. It is critically important that both lawmakers and aides be well-versed in the complex subjects at hand. The Wilson Center's Technology Labs provide the knowledge foundation for core science and technology policy topics through a six-week seminar themed series. Each seminar session is led by top technologists and scholars drawn from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Unless otherwise noted, sessions are currently being held virtually.
Who Should Apply
The Wilson Center invites mid- to senior-level staff to participate in the Lab; the program is also open to exceptional rising leaders with a demonstrated interest in the subject area who staff other U.S. policymakers. Applicants should possess a strong understanding of the legislative process and aspire to a career shaping national security policy. For more information, see our FAQ.
Note: At this time, the Wilson Center Technology Labs are only available to U.S. government staff.
What We Offer
The Wilson Center Technology Labs are divided thematically, and are staggered throughout the year. These labs are free of charge, but an application must be submitted to attend. Check the respective program pages for the most up-to-date information on upcoming application deadlines.
Executive Branch AI Lab
- Applications for the Fall 2023 Executive Branch AI Lab closed August 25.
- Applicants will be notified of a decision no later than two weeks before the start of the series.
- Weekly sessions will take place on September 8, September 15, September 22, September 29, October 13, and October 20.
- The first session of the series will held in-person at the Wilson Center (with the option to webcast in) and all following sessions will be held virtually on Zoom.
Congressional AI Lab
- Applications for the Fall 2023 Congressional AI Lab open September 11 and close October 13.
- Applicants will be notified of a decision no later than two weeks before the start of the series.
- Weekly sessions will take place on October 27, November 3, November 17, December 1, December 8, and December 15.
- The first session of the series will held in-person at the Wilson Center (with the option to webcast in) and all following sessions will be held virtually on Zoom.
Artificial Intelligence Labs
What is machine learning? How do neural networks work? What are the current and future applications of autonomous intelligent systems? Who are currently the main players in AI? What will AI mean for the nation’s national security? The AI Lab is divided into two separate series: one that is offered for mid- to senior-level Congressional staff and one that is offered for mid- to senior-level Executive Branch staff.
Congressional Cybersecurity Lab
How do networks work and what defends them? Who are key bad actors and what are their tools? What is the role of different sectors in preventing or responding to threats? All this and more is covered in our Cybersecurity Lab. Open to mid- to senior-level Congressional staff to participate in the Lab; the program is also open to exceptional rising leaders with a keen interest in cybersecurity who staff other U.S. policymakers.
Beyond the Labs: Alumni Program
Those who attend at least 5 out of 6 sessions of a lab series join the Wilson Center Technology Labs Alumni Network. Alumni are invited to take part in exclusive Wilson Center events and programs, including exclusive master classes with experts, private briefings, workshops, study trips, and high-level roundtables. During the seminar series, participants will also be in a position to draw on the expertise of the 150 resident scholars the Wilson Center hosts each year, a global network of academics and policymakers.
