European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance - Fostering EU Science Diplomacy to contribute to a better future for all. in

Science Diplomacy initiatives are usually not developed as strategic instruments that focus on the long-term. Anticipating potential trends and scenarios of future needs of the community can support the development of a coordinated and coherent approach at national level (e.g. between different ministries), regional level (e.g. within the EU) and global level (e.g. to address global challenges).

Given the fast pace of science and technology and their impact, our aim is to translate this knowledge into practical science diplomacy tools and to support political decisions informed by scientific evidence.

The scope of the Thematic Entry Point (TEP) is to explore and support how international, multidisciplinary scientific collaborations can foster peaceful international relations, address global challenges, and remove barriers to gender equality. Gender equality is seen as a critical, crosscutting issue that should be deeply embedded in STID initiatives.

The TEP also highlights the growing impact of critical and emerging technologies—such as AI and quantum computing—on geopolitics, foreign policy, and evidence-based policymaking. Many countries have introduced targeted science and technology diplomacy strategies, including the appointment of science and tech ambassadors or scientific attachés in strategic locations such as technology hubs, embassies, or international research institutions and organizations.

By bringing these themes together, the TEP addresses the intersection of STID and GENDER, promoting a comprehensive global and planetary approach to science diplomacy.

Research diasporas promote science diplomacy in an informal, collaborative approach with government actors, research institutions, and other scientific organisations. They connect different countries through civil society: sharing best practices, enhancing research collaborations and mobility, and easing international relations in a bottom up manner.

Ocean science and diplomacy have been at the front in the latest international ocean governance initiatives (e.g., the BBNJ negotiations and deep-sea mining). This underlines the importance of engaging in Ocean Science Diplomacy.

There is a long tradition for ocean scientists to engage with policymakers and with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, Life Below Water. The Thematic Entry Point (TEP) on Ocean Science Diplomacy aims to focus on the Ocean dimension of Science Diplomacy to strengthen the EU’s global position in ocean-related matters.

The TEP is managed and run by our member the University of Bergen. For more information visit the TEP here.

This reflection group focuses on science diplomacy with countries in the southern regions. The group aims to establish a genuine dialogue that fosters the collaborative development of new strategies in science diplomacy.

It will also involve developing a common analysis on scientific relations between the North and the South which still present a significant imbalance in favour of the North. By actively participating in this initiative, the goal is to create partnerships that prioritise equity and solidarity, ensuring that collaborations are beneficial to all parties involved in the medium and long term.

Growing international tensions and the increasing geopolitical relevance of research and innovation make the topic “research security” more relevant than ever.

The research and innovation sector is particularly vulnerable because of “its openness, academic freedom, institutional autonomy and worldwide collaboration” (Council recommendation on research security, Council of the EU 2024, Doc. 9097/1/24). Excellent research depends on open international exchange and cooperation, and while the international dialogue on research security has to be strengthened.

How can researchers cooperate in an insecure and contested environment? How can the risk of undesirable transfer of critical knowledge and technology be reduced and the integrity of European research and innovation be secured? How can safeguarding measures, non-discrimination, and respect of fundamental rights in R&D collaborations be balanced? The TEP on Research Security and SD would like to have a deeper look into this interface and foster the discussion.