The Initiative comes out of MacArthur 's 25 years of grantmaking in peace and security . Specifically , the Foundation has invested in training , research , and policy engagement to reduce the danger posed by weapons of mass destruction . MacArthur supported research and track-two diplomacy between U.S. and Soviet officials and nuclear scientists , which helped lead to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty . MacArthur grantees also helped develop the conceptual framework for cooperative threat reduction programs that helped Russia and other former Soviet states reduce stockpiles and secure nuclear weapons and fissile materials . The Foundation 's Science , Technology , and Security Initiative strengthened university-based centers of science , technology , and security , creating a new generation of scientists engaged in the study and development of security policy on issues like nonproliferation and arms control .