Jonathan Forman

Dr. Jonathan Forman is a Science and Technology Advisor in the Global Security Technology and Policy Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). From 2013 to 2019, Dr. Forman served as the first Science Policy Adviser to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). In that role, he facilitated the work of the OPCW Scientific Advisory Board to provide science advice to OPCW’s Director-General and staff. At OPCW, Dr. Forman launched a ‘Science for Diplomats’ initiative as a forum to strengthen scientific literacy for chemical disarmament policymakers. Prior to 2013, Dr. Forman worked for a series of venture capital-backed biotechnology startup companies developing molecular diagnostic and bioanalytical assay technologies for genomic, immunoassay, and cell capture applications; eventually becoming an independent consultant for process and product development of chip-based assay platforms. Dr. Forman holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from California State University San Bernardino. His professional interests include innovation for biochemical security, assessment of emerging technologies, the provision of effective science advice for policymaking, and science diplomacy.