EUTOPIA has positioned itself as a contributor to the field of science diplomacy since its establishment in 2019. This webpage provides an overview of EUTOPIA’s efforts in this domain. Co-funded by the European Union, the programme focuses on fostering collaboration between academia, policymakers, and diplomats to address global challenges through evidence-informed approaches.
As of March 2026, these initiatives continue to evolve, aligning with broader European developments such as the Council Recommendation on a European Union framework for science diplomacy adopted in February 2026.
diplomacy refers to the application of scientific knowledge and collaboration to inform and support foreign policy objectives, enhance international relations, and address transnational issues. It encompasses three primary dimensions: science in diplomacy (integrating scientific evidence into policy), diplomacy for science (facilitating international scientific cooperation), and science for diplomacy (using science to build diplomatic ties). Within the European context, universities serve as neutral intermediaries, leveraging their expertise to promote evidence-based policymaking and cross-cultural exchange. The EUTOPIA alliance emphasises the role of higher education institutions in this process, recognising their capacity to bridge local and global communities while upholding scientific integrity amid geopolitical shifts.
Recent analyses, such as those in the third issue of the EUTOPIA Review (updated February 2026), highlight the growing relevance of science diplomacy in a multipolar world. This publication synthesises contributions on university-led science diplomacy, including strategic partnerships and societal impact. For academics and students, engagement in this field offers opportunities to apply research to real-world policy contexts, contributing to areas like climate resilience, health equity, and technological governance.
A core component of EUTOPIA’s program is a series of eight seminars conducted between January 2023 and December 2024, aimed at enhancing understanding and skills in science diplomacy. Coordinated by Eric Piaget (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), EUTOPIA’s science diplomacy expert, these events brought together diverse stakeholders to explore theoretical and practical aspects of the field. The seminars addressed topics ranging from epistemological foundations to regional applications, often incorporating interactive discussions and Q&A sessions.
These sessions facilitated knowledge exchange on issues such as misinformation, multipolarity, and evidence integration. For instance, the January 2023 seminar produced a policy paper, while the September 2024 event examined the application of science diplomacy to cultural preservation amid conflicts and environmental threats.
| Seminar | Date | Location | Key Themes |
| Thinking, Debating, and Shaping Science Diplomacy in and for Europe | January 25, 2023 | Brussels (DG RTD, European Commission) | Academic status, societal challenges, policy shaping |
| Designing a Science Diplomacy Pathway for EUTOPIA | June 29, 2023 | Online | University strategies and tools |
| Science Diplomacy and the Changing World Order: The End of (Scientific) Unipolarity | November 14, 2023 | Online | Geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies |
| Science IN Diplomacy: Exploring Evidence-Based Policy Making | February 29, 2024 | Online | Integration of science into policy processes |
| Exploring Regional Science Diplomacy | May 30, 2024 | Brussels (Region Västra Götaland EU Representation Office) | Subnational roles, triple helix collaborations |
| Preserving the Past: The Role of Science Diplomacy in Cultural Heritage Protection | September 26, 2024 | Brussels (Brussels School of Governance, VUB) | Threats to heritage, international cooperation |
| Why Universities Need Science Diplomacy? | November 24, 2024 | Cergy, France | Institutional benefits and expert perspectives |
| Young Leaders Academy Network on SD | December 2, 2024 | Online | Training for emerging academics |
- Middle-Income Countries (16 May 2024, Brussels): A panel discussion with the Embassy of Pakistan and PATH, focusing on health equity and regulatory frameworks, attended by 50 participants, including 15 ambassadors.
- Session at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) 2024 Conference (20 September 2024, Toulouse): Explored universities’ roles in science diplomacy, with 27 participants brainstorming global summit scenarios.
- 4èmes Assises de la Francophonie Scientifique (AUF) 2024 (14 October 2024, Toulouse): Presentation on French-speaking science diplomacy within EUTOPIA, attended by 15 participants.
The AUF-funded project, “French-speaking Scientific Diplomacy as a Catalyst in the European EUTOPIA Alliance” (January-December 2024), mapped practices across member universities and proposed governance roadmaps, emphasising linguistic diversity in diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, EUTOPIA contributed a chapter to the 2025 publication Continuities, Changes and Challenges for the European Higher Education Landscape: Five Years of the European Universities Initiative. Titled “Universities as Key Actors in Science Diplomacy: Lessons from the EUTOPIA Alliance,” it analyses universities’ diplomatic roles in fostering collaboration amid geopolitical tensions.
Additionally, the December 2025 conference in Venice, “Science Diplomacy and Heritage,” examined intersections of science, culture, and diplomacy. Recent activities include participation in the Second European Science Diplomacy Conference in Copenhagen (December 2025), where EUTOPIA networked with alliances like FORTHEM.
As of March 2026, EUTOPIA’s science diplomacy initiatives are expanding. Plans include establishing a Connected Community to enhance internal visibility and training, and actively collaborating with alliances such as EELISA and FORTHEM to organise joint panels at EAIE 2025. At the policy level, alignment with the EU’s science diplomacy framework offers avenues for funding and strategic integration.
A global conference planned for 29 May 2026 aims to convene stakeholders and build on prior deliverables to advance the field. These developments underscore the alliance’s commitment to positioning universities as pivotal actors in science diplomacy, contributing to informed global governance and sustainable solutions. Upcoming events also include the second edition of the International School on Science Diplomacy (October 4-10, 2026), which may complement EUTOPIA’s efforts.
For further information, consult EUTOPIA’s Calendar, News and Newsletter.