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Brazil Expo Sets International Stage for ONR Global to Exchange Ideas

For Immediate Release: Apr 05, 2011

By Rob Anastasio, Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va. – Supporting its goal of increasing collaboration within the international science and technology (S&T) community, the Office of Naval Research’s Global department will join forces with officials from the defense and security industries at a Brazil conference scheduled April 12-15.

Considered the most important trade show for the region’s defense industry, Latin America Aero and Defence (LAAD) Expo 2011 will be held at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro. The biannual event, which is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors and 550 exhibitors, features companies that specialize in the supply of equipment and services for armed forces, police forces, special forces, security services, consultants and government agencies, organizers said.

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.

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About the Office of Naval Research

This year, the Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) marks its 80th anniversary. For 80 years, ONR — including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory — has been a leader in advancing American naval warfighter readiness and dominance through innovations in science and technology for the Navy and Marine Corps. Today, ONR’s continued dedication to providing the Fleet and Force with the technological edge is catalyzing the advancement and delivery of combat systems, sensors, weapons, materials, robotic and autonomous systems and numerous other state-of-the-art, naval platforms and capabilities.