Sara Farley Talk Today on Connecting VT Resources to Global Challenges

OPEN TALK

How to Go Global: Connecting Virginia Tech Resources to Global Challenges. A conversation with the Global Knowledge Initiative

Thursday, March 3, 10:30am

GLC Room B

Sara E. Farley
Chief Operating Officer, Global Knowledge Initiative www.globalknowledgeinitiative.org

Sara E. Farley is the Chief Operating Officer of the Global Knowledge Initiative, a not for profit organization launched from the US National Academy of Sciences that brokers partnerships between individuals and institutions to solve global challenges in science, technology and innovation (www.globalknowledgeinitiative.org).  Sara has been commissioned by national governments (Brazil, Canada, Slovenia, and the UK), and international development and science-related affinity organizations, such as the Rockefeller Foundation, to lead thinking, develop networks, and devise policies to strengthen developing countries' science and technology capacity.  

Sara began her career as a science, technology, and innovation strategist at the World Bank.  After co-authoring the World Bank's new Science and Technology Strategy for Development with Chief Scientist, Robert Watson in 2001, she helped the institution design and launch its first Africa-based science and technology project (the 30$ million Uganda Millennium Science Initiative). More recently, the World Bank relied on Sara in operations across Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. She has been an advisor and senior consultant to the African Development Bank, where she helped to craft the institution’s new Higher Education, Science, Technology and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Strategy. 

In 2007 and 2008, Sara worked with UNIDO to establish its first-ever policy position on innovation.  Additionally, Sara has worked as a consultant for SRI International, UNCTAD, the Rockefeller Foundation, and other organizations to develop science, technology, and innovation strategy and policy and guide aid delivery and operations.

Prior to joining the World Bank, Sara graduated with honors in Science, Technology, and Society from Stanford University’s School of Engineering where she also earned a Masters degree in International Policy Studies. She spent time at the University of Queensland studying and working in chemical engineering. Following her time at Stanford and a stint working for a wireless start-up in Silicon Valley, she was a Rotary International Ambassadorial Fellow at the Universidad de Buenos Aires where she conducted post-graduate study in Technology Policy and Management. Sara also founded Uganda Arts Outreach, Inc. and serves on the Board of Lesole’s Dance Project and the Global Alliance for Linkages in Science (GALS).