Michael S. Frankel is an American policy expert and leader in the field of science, technology, and national security. He serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, a non-profit think tank headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, founded in 1995 and focused on advancing innovative policies that integrate scientific and technological advancements with national security needs. Under Frankel's leadership since 2000, he oversees the institute's operations, strategic direction, research initiatives, annual conferences, and policy reports aimed at bridging the gap between scientific advancements and policy-making. The institute engages in projects addressing emerging technologies, counterterrorism, global health security, cybersecurity, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and biosecurity, fostering collaborations between government agencies, academic institutions, and industry.

Frankel has extensive experience in policy analysis and leadership within the national security and technology sectors, with over four decades of career experience. Prior to joining the Potomac Institute, he held significant roles including Director of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) from 1997 to 2000, where he advised federal agencies on technology assessment. He also worked at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) during the Clinton administration, contributed to national science strategies, and held positions at the U.S. Department of Energy and as a senior analyst at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).

Frankel's expertise stems from a strong academic foundation in physics, enabling him to bridge complex technical concepts with practical policy applications. He has supervised notable professionals including Tawfik Hamid, a medical doctor and former member of the terrorist group Gama'a al-Islamiyya, who now serves as a fellow at the institute focusing on deradicalization and counterterrorism strategies. Frankel has testified before Congress on science policy matters, authored publications on technology's role in national security, and participated in high-level dialogues that influence national and international policy frameworks. His career reflects a commitment to advancing U.S. interests through informed policy, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, ethical and strategic use of emerging technologies, and fostering innovation while mitigating risks from technological disruptions.