Influential Diplomats, Lawmakers and S&T Leaders Explore Promise—and Challenge—of Science Diplomacy

At a time of world financial crisis and geopolitical tension, and with the United States deeply unpopular in many parts of the world, some of the nation's top science leaders, diplomats, legislators, and educators met at AAAS to explore the benefits and challenges of expanded U.S. science diplomacy efforts.

After extensive discussions, the consensus was clear: Despite critical unresolved questions over the financing and organization of science diplomacy, the time is ripe for renewed efforts by U.S. scientists and engineers to reach out to colleagues overseas for capacity-building initiatives and collaborations on issues such as climate change, public health, and energy. Already, speakers said, a delegation has traveled to Iran for highly positive meetings, and efforts are underway to initiate S&T relationships with North Korea, Cuba, and other nations.

The conference, organized by the AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy, featured a remarkable roster of participants: two members of Congress; past U.S. presidential advisers; science advisers at the U.S. State Department; a former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense; the leaders of major U.S. science and engineering societies; and scholars who are helping to shape a possible renaissance for science diplomacy. The conference was underwritten in part by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, a philanthropic institution based in Washington, D.C., that counts science diplomacy a key part of its mission.

To learn more about their views on the future direction of science diplomacy, read the full story.