DOD Advisory Panel Disbanded

DOD Advisory Panel Disbanded

On March 28, 2019, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced that it would not renew its contract for the so-called “Jason” research project. Established in the 1950s, the Jason program brings together academic scientists to research and advise on a range of national security issues, including with respect to nuclear weapons systems. In recent years, the Jason program has been managed by MITRE Corporation, which was contracted by DOD to provide logistical and other to members. The contract with MITRE Corporation was allowed to expire in March 2019, with the DOD indicating that it would not be renewed because of changing requirements. Media reports indicate that “the move was made as a cost-saving measure,” with DOD concluding “that the open-ended nature of Jason no longer makes sense.”