Budapest, November 19, 2024 – In the historic halls of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the World Science Forumhosted a thought-provoking session titled “Engaging Researchers and Researcher Associations in Science Advice, Diplomacy, and Science for Peace.” Organized by EURODOC, ICORSA, MCAA, and Young Academy of Europe (YAE), this event brought together leading minds to discuss the evolving role of science diplomacy and its potential to address global challenges and foster peace.
The session, moderated by Mostafa Moonir Shawrav, Executive Director of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), featured keynote insights from Stella Reschke, Scientific Advisor at the DLR Project Management Agency, and a panel of distinguished speakers who delved into topics ranging from capacity building for early-career researchers to leveraging global networks for peacebuilding.
Opening Remarks
by Moderator: Mostafa Moonir Shawrav
Kicking off the session, Shawrav highlighted the intertwined nature of science advice and diplomacy as powerful tools to address contemporary challenges. He outlined the key dimensions of science diplomacy: Diplomacy for Science, Science for Diplomacy, and Science in Diplomacy.
“In a world increasingly shaped by complex global issues, science diplomacy offers a means to foster peace, inform policy, and strengthen international collaborations,” said Shawrav. He also emphasized the role of early-career researchers in driving these efforts and called for greater investment in capacity-building programs.
Shawrav pointed to the European Commission’s 2021 Global Approach to the EU as a framework that underscores the significance of science diplomacy in safeguarding European values, promoting international cooperation, and addressing global challenges.
Keynote Address: Stella Reschke, DLR Project Management Agency
“Lessons from the Frontlines of Science Diplomacy”
Reschke shared compelling anecdotes from her career, including a pivotal experience in the European Parliament where she successfully linked biodiversity research to policy discussions. Her three key stories highlighted the power of aligning scientific endeavors with political processes:
- The Sponge Project Failure: Reschke described a misstep where a Horizon project failed to resonate with policymakers due to a lack of alignment with the current political agenda. “We learned that even the most fascinating scientific findings can fall flat if they don’t address the immediate priorities of decision-makers,” she noted.
- Satellite Success: A subsequent Horizon 2020 project on ecosystem monitoring succeeded by aligning with the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Reschke shared how the project’s recommendations influenced the EU Parliament’s resolution for the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Building the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance: Reschke detailed the formation of this alliance, now a trusted advisor to the European Commission, as a testament to the collaborative spirit of science diplomacy.
Recommendations:
- Understand the constraints and timelines of political processes.
- Build targeted training programs and foster collaborative interactions between scientists and diplomats.
- Establish sustainable networks to bridge science and diplomacy.
Panel Discussions
“The Role of Early-Career Researchers in Science Diplomacy”
Hannah Schoch, Secretary, EURODOC
Schoch emphasized the unique perspectives that early-career researchers bring to the science-policy interface. She called for a more structured approach to integrating young researchers into policymaking processes.
“Early-career researchers are often the specialists in their fields, more so than their principal investigators. Their mobility and global networks make them natural ambassadors of science diplomacy,” Schoch remarked.
She also stressed the importance of doctoral education in preparing researchers for broader societal responsibilities, urging institutions to provide tools and frameworks that align research with ethical and human rights principles.
“Science as a Mediating Force in Global Challenges”
Scott Bremer, Chair, Young Academy of Europe
Bremer highlighted the Young Academy of Europe’s initiatives in science-policy relations, including its contributions to intergovernmental organizations like the IPCC and UNFCCC. He also discussed the Academy’s role in fostering trust in science through innovative approaches.
“Rebuilding trust in science is critical, especially in today’s polarized world. Integrating science with art and addressing generational divides are some of the ways we’re working to achieve this,” said Bremer.
Bremer advocated for more roles like science-policy brokers to bridge the gap between scientific research and government action.
“Global Networks as Pillars of Science Diplomacy”
Irene Castellano Pellicena, Board Member, MCAA
Castellano highlighted MCAA’s efforts in building global networks that foster collaboration despite political divides. She shared examples of regional initiatives, such as the growth of MCAA chapters in Latin America and the Balkans, which engage researchers and policymakers in meaningful dialogue.
“Science diplomacy is about creating neutral platforms where collaboration transcends boundaries and addresses societal challenges,” Castellano emphasized.
She called for more training programs to equip researchers with the communication skills needed to translate their findings into actionable policy recommendations.
“Empowering Researchers Through Advocacy and Training”
Rosarii Griffin, Secretary, ICORSA
Griffin addressed the precarious conditions many researchers face and ICORSA’s efforts to provide them with a sense of community and representation. She outlined the organization’s initiatives in advocating for unified pension systems, sanctuary universities, and capacity-building programs.
“Science diplomacy is not just about high-level negotiations; it’s about empowering researchers at all levels to contribute to society,” Griffin noted.
She also highlighted ICORSA’s role in promoting evidence-based science and countering misinformation, particularly in politically sensitive regions.
Q&A Session Highlights
During the lively Q&A session, panelists fielded questions on inclusivity in science diplomacy, balancing openness with security, and the role of global networks.
- Inclusivity: Schoch called for more opportunities for non-European researchers to engage in European science diplomacy frameworks.
- Measuring Impact: Bremer and Schoch acknowledged the challenges of quantifying the impact of science diplomacy but pointed to qualitative methods, such as stakeholder feedback, as valuable tools.
- Global Examples: Audience members shared success stories, including Lithuania’s integration of science advisors into government ministries, which was praised as a model for effective science-policy integration.
Closing Thoughts
The session concluded with a shared commitment to fostering collaboration between scientific and diplomatic communities. Panelists emphasized the need for capacity-building programs, inclusive networks, and actionable frameworks to bridge the gap between science and policy.
Shawrav encapsulated the sentiment of the forum:
“Science diplomacy is not an abstract concept—it’s a practical tool for addressing global challenges and fostering peace. Let’s continue building bridges and making meaningful contributions to society.”
For those interested in learning more, resources from the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance and associated networks were recommended as valuable starting points.
Final Note
As the session demonstrated, science diplomacy is not just the purview of senior policymakers or seasoned diplomats. It is a dynamic, collaborative effort that invites researchers at all levels to contribute to global peace and progress.