International Scientific Conference ’Science Diplomacy’

Organised by the SASA Board for Science, the international scientific conference ’Science Diplomacy’ will take place at the SASA Grand Hall on Wednesday, 13 May, at 10 a.m.

This event aims to examine the role of science and scientific cooperation in contemporary international relations, as well as their importance in shaping public policies based on scientific findings. In the contemporary global context, science diplomacy is understood as a framework which links scholarly expertise, institutions of knowledge and various forms of international cooperation.

In both academic literature and practice to date, it has been considered more through several interconnected aspects, including the role of science in supporting diplomatic and political processes, mechanisms which facilitate international scientific cooperation and the contribution of the scientific community to the advancement of dialogue and fostering trust among states and institutions.

With this in mind, science diplomacy forms an important part of the activities of international scientific organisations, national academies of sciences, European Union institutions, and numerous regional initiatives aimed at advancing scholarly and research cooperation. A particularly significant role in these processes is played by scientific diasporas and international research networks, which contribute to the strengthening of ties between scientific systems and the exchange of knowledge.

The conference will bring together national and international experts. Their presentations and discussions will focus on various aspects of science diplomacy, including the role of scientific expertise in the processes of public policy formation. It will also consider the role of international scientific organisations in contemporary global circumstances, the development of the European framework in this field and the role of national research and innovation centres in international cooperation. Special attention will be devoted to issues of institutional development of science diplomacy, as well as different approaches to education and training in this field. Additionally, the role of the scientific diaspora and regional initiatives in connecting research communities will be discussed and the challenges arising from contemporary geopolitical changes, technological advancements and the need for sustainable global development.

Through two presentation sessions and an accompanying discussion, the conference seeks to contribute to a better understanding of science diplomacy as a field developing at the intersection of science, international relations and public policies.

The working language of the conference is English.