Community

The AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy serves as a global hub bringing together the stakeholders – from scientists and technologists in academia and industry to policymakers and diplomats to civil society leaders and business – who contribute to, benefit from, and direct science diplomacy.

International Dialogue on Science Diplomacy

The Center has participated in high-profile conferences around the world, in order to contribute to the ongoing international dialogue on science diplomacy.  

• In May 2020, Science & Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief, Bill Colglazier participated in the digital conference "Sustainable Development Goals in the Era of COVID-19: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation." He chaired the session on the conclusion of the first day: [Agenda and video]
• Dr. Colglazier delivered the keynote lecture "20 Years of Science Diplomacy" at the 2019 World Science Forum (WSF) in Budapest, Hungary: [Video] [Declaration on Science, Ethics and Responsibility] 
• The Center's former Director, Julia MacKenzie also spoke at the 2019 WSF, where she moderated the session "Human Right to Science" [Video] [Description] and was a speaker in the special session on careers in science diplomacy [Description]. 

Center for Science Diplomacy Conferences

The Center hosted conferences from 2015 to 2018 at AAAS headquarters in Washington, DC, to bring together the community around emerging aspects of science diplomacy. 

Past Meetings

• Science Diplomacy 2018: [Meeting] [Story] [Conference report]
• Science Diplomacy 2017: [Meeting] [Video] [Conference report]
• Science Diplomacy 2016: [Meeting] [Video]
• Science Diplomacy 2015: [Meeting, including video and presentations] [Conference report]

Neureiter Science Diplomacy Roundtable

The Center launched a science diplomacy-themed roundtable in honor of Dr. Norman Neureiter, the first science and technology adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State. The roundtable, created in 2012, seeks to address contemporary topics in science diplomacy in an informal, not-for-attribution dialogue that can make real contributions to science diplomacy practice. Issues covered in past the roundtables include science and technology capacity in foreign ministries, educating for science diplomacy, diplomacy in Asia, and science and technology and trade.

For more detailed information on the past roundtables, please visit our Neureiter Science Diplomacy Roundtable page.

Resources

The Center has identified several resources that together serve as a primer for understanding the concept of "science diplomacy". Additionally, the Center publishes the policy journal Science & Diplomacy that provides rigorous thought, analysis, and insight to serve stakeholders who develop, implement, or teach all aspects of science and diplomacy. 

In 2018, the Center started a medium blog to feature various voices in science diplomacy who have insights to share about relevant and timely topics at the intersection of science and international relations. Check out their contributions here.

Conceptualizing Science Diplomacy

Science and Diplomacy: A Conceptual Framework
AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy, 2009
This short briefing document outlines the relationship between science and diplomacy, characterized by three basic forms of interaction: diplomacy for science; science in diplomacy; and science for diplomacy. 

New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy
Royal Society and AAAS, January 2010
The report from one of the first international meetings on science diplomacy. The two-day meeting, hosted by the Royal Society (London) in June 2009, focused on the international perspectives on the three forms of science and diplomacy and the rising importance of science diplomacy. 

Science & Diplomacy
AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy journal, published since 2012
The journal provides a forum for rigorous thought, analysis, and insight to serve stakeholders who develop, implement, or teach all aspects of science and diplomacy. 

National or Regional Approaches

Science Diplomacy: How Countries Interact with the Boston Innovation Ecosystem
AAAS and DiploFoundation, 2019
This report provides an overview of the existing interactions of  governments with the Boston ecosystem, which usually take place through science attachés at consulates and/or innovation centers.

Diplomacy for the 21st Century: Embedding a Culture of Science and Technology Throughout the Department of State 
National Research Council, 2015
This report produced by the U.S. National Academies makes recommendations that the U.S. Department of State can use to take advantage of the United States' science and technology (S&T) capabilities. 

Pervasive Role of Science, Technology, and Health in Foreign Policy: Imperatives for the Department of State
National Research Council, 1999
This report produced by the U.S. National Academies examined S&T in U.S. foreign policy and argued for increased capacity in the U.S. Department of State to understand S&T dimensions of foreign policy issues. Partly as a result of the study, the position of S&T Adviser to the Secretary of State was created. 

Toward the Reinforcement of Science and Technology Diplomacy
Japan's Council for Science and Technology Policy, May 2008
One of the few governmental strategic documents focused on science diplomacy, the report from the Japanese government's highest coordinating body for science and technology (S&T) policy provides Japan's perspective of S&T diplomacy and how science and technology and foreign policy can support each other's mutual development. A particular focus is on strategic cooperation with developing countries and Japan's role in international S&T. 

EU International Strategy for Research and Innovation 
European Commission, September 2012
This report focuses on international science cooperation as a way to meet global challenges. 

Science Diplomacy for France
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Directorate-General of Global Affairs, Development and Partnerships - Mobility and Attractiveness Policy Directorate), April 2013
This report discusses ways that France can enhance its research contribution to global science and how that relates to support for international strategies. 

 

Disclaimer: AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.