Science Diplomacy
Science diplomacy refers to activities at the intersection of science and foreign policy. In its essence, it is the use of scientific collaborations, knowledge-sharing, and evidence-based decision-making in the realm of international relations. Science diplomacy is a growing field that aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of science and diplomacy by bringing together scientific experts, policy-makers, and diplomats to address issues of mutual interest.
While examples of science being used to achieve foreign policy objectives go back hundreds of years, the academic study of science diplomacy is less than a few decades old. In that short time, many conceptualization frameworks have arisen. The first and most common one stems from a report by the Royal Society and the AAAS, which highlights three dimensions of science diplomacy:
- Science in diplomacy, which refers to scientific expertise guiding diplomatic activities, such as in climate negotiation
- Science for diplomacy, referring to the process in which scientific collaborations can pave the way for better diplomatic relations
- Diplomacy for science, the reverse of the former, whereby diplomatic actions facilitate greater scientific collaboration.
Since the debut of this framework, there have been attempts to improve it. One argument, introduced by Van Langenhove and Burgelman of the VUB, postulates that a fourth dimension of science diplomacy is needed. This is called diplomacy in science, and it envisions an enhanced role for universities as diplomatic spokespersons for the global commons of knowledge in a world threatened by anti-scientism, geopolitical uncertainties, and siloed information.
It was with this potential in mind that drove EUTOPIA to become the only European university alliance with a dedicated commitment to science diplomacy. Together, the partner universities will develop a common understanding of science diplomacy through a series of seminars and trainings. Through these activities, EUTOPIA aims to strengthen the role of science diplomacy in addressing global challenges, promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders, and foster a more collaborative and inclusive approach to science and innovation. By developing a shared vision of science diplomacy, EUTOPIA hopes to serve as a model for other European and global university alliances, and contribute to the advancement of science and diplomacy for the benefit of all.
During the EUTOPIA MORE project, we aim to create awareness and capability in the field of Science Diplomacy. For that, eight seminars will be organised before December 2024. Following a generalist approach for the first two sessions and tackling specialized themes for the other six, our seminars are aimed at the EUTOPIA community: students, PhD students, and academic and administrative teams.
Follow EUTOPIA's series of seminars on Science Diplomacy
Follow the project we are developping on Science Diplomacy withe the Agency of Francophone Universities.
Disclaimer
EUTOPIA MORE is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101089699. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
