Science Diplomacy Seminars

EUTOPIA recognizes the important role that universities play in science diplomacy, which is why it has a work package dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in this field. The EUTOPIAn Science Diplomacy Seminars are a cornerstone of this effort, serving as platforms for bringing together experts, researchers, policymakers, and students from various disciplines and backgrounds to better understand the dynamics of this rapidly evolving and increasingly important field. During the EUTOPIA MORE project, we aim to create awareness and capability in the field of Science Diplomacy.  We have a target of eight seminars to 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 scholars, and academic and administrative teams.

Follow the Science Diplomacy Seminars here.

Science IN Diplomacy: Exploring Evidence-Based Policy Making - 29 February 2024

Overview

In an era where global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and sustainable development require science-informed solutions, the integration of scientific insights into diplomatic efforts and policy-making is more critical than ever. This seminar aims to explore the role of scientific evidence in diplomatic strategies and policy formulation that facilitates a more informed, effective, and cooperative international policy landscape.

 

Some questions that will be covered are:
 

• What is the historical evolution of expert and scientific advice?
• How can we effectively integrate scientific research into the fabric of diplomatic decision-making processes?
• In what ways can evidence-based policy-making be promoted within international organizations, among nation-states, and towards other actors on the diplomatic stage to address global challenges?
• How can we measure the impact of science-informed diplomacy and policy outcomes?
• What is the policy making cycle and how do scientists engage in the policy-making process?

 

This seminar is intended for a diverse audience. From students, researchers, and educators to policymakers and diplomats, anyone interested in exploring the intersection of science and diplomacy should tune in.

 

About the Speaker

Dr. Diana Shendrikova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy at Politecnico di Milano and Science Diplomacy Advisor to the UNESCO Chair in Energy for Sustainable Development.

Date: Thursday, 29 February 2024

Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CEST

Location: Microsoft Teams 

For any questions, kindly direct them to eric.piaget@vub.be

Participate in the seminar by registering here.

Science Diplomacy and the Changing World Order: The End of (Scientific) Unipolarity - 14 November 2023

In an era marked by rapidly shifting global dynamics and emerging challenges, the role of science diplomacy in shaping the international landscape has become increasingly significant. Since the end of the Cold War and the popularization of the term science diplomacy by the British Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, scientific advancements and collaborations were assumed to transcend geopolitical boundaries and foster a sense of unity in the scientific community and beyond. However, the world is currently undergoing profound transformations in political, economic, technological, and natural spheres, leading to a reevaluation of science's role in diplomacy and vice-versa.
 

In this online seminar, we will hear from Rasmus Bertelsen about the evolving landscape of science diplomacy and its interaction with the changing world order.
 

This seminar is intended for a diverse audience, including policymakers, diplomats, scientists, researchers, students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of science and diplomacy in the changing global context. Participants can expect to gain insights into the evolving dynamics of science diplomacy, its implications for global relations, and strategies for harnessing scientific collaboration for diplomatic purposes. In the end, there will be the opportunity to raise questions.

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Designing a Science Diplomacy Pathway for EUTOPIA - 29 June 2023

EUTOPIA is the only European university alliance with an explicit commitment to science diplomacy. The EUTOPIA MORE application, through its facilitation of this seminar series, recognizes the important role that the alliance members play as science diplomacy actors. Independently minded, the universities of EUTOPIA can approach scientific issues objectively and impartially, making them neutral brokers and valuable partners in promoting evidence-based policymaking. Their established networks serve as bridges between their local communities and the wider world, transporting best practices across distance and culture. Finally, as stewards of the public understanding of science, this alliance's constituents can help build support for scientific research and innovation through citizen engagement.

This seminar aims to present a comprehensive state-of-the-art science diplomacy before moving into an interactive session that asks questions such as: Why should universities and alliances like EUTOPIA engage in science diplomacy? How should they engage? What tools are needed? By asking critical questions about the why, how, and what of science diplomacy, this seminar will aid in the creation of a tailored strategy for EUTOPIA and its partner universities. The outcome will not only clarify their roles in this endeavour but also provide guidance for effectively implementing and promoting this strategy, starting a new chapter in the intersection of science, diplomacy, and higher education.

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Thinking, Debating, and Shaping Science Diplomacy in and for Europe - 27 January 2023

The general idea of this seminar is to assess the present state of the art of science diplomacy in Europe from three perspectives. The first perspective, labelled Thinking Science Diplomacy,  is that of the status of science diplomacy as an academic endeavour. Questions to be tackled are: how are established scientific disciplines (international relations theory, diplomacy, science & society studies, etc.) coping with the concept and practice of science diplomacy? Is there an academic field or an epistemological community in the making? Is there a theory of science diplomacy in the making? How can science diplomacy practices be evaluated? What role should universities play?

The second perspective, Debating Science Diplomacy, deals with how science diplomacy is affected by societal challenges such as the geopolitical situation, the shifting nature of diplomacy, the place of science in preserving the global commons, and the role of missions and SDGs in research policy. Also, the question will be addressed if there is a need for science to engage in diplomacy for science that defends scientific values towards fake news and complot thinking.

The third perspective, Shaping Science Diplomacy, is that of how to shape a future for science diplomacy in Europe. Questions to be addressed here include: what is happening at the level of the European institutions? What should academia’s input be? And also: what needs to be done at the level of MFAs and diplomatic missions of the EEAS and Member States? And what about other actors, such as sub-national (regional) level and supra-national (multilateral) level?

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