Programme / Merging Values across Science and Diplomacy: Interactions and counteractions between scientists and diplomats

Science diplomacy emerges at the intersection of two worlds and through two main categories of actors: scientists and diplomats. These two groups have different values that may clash or complement each other. A smoothly functioning system of science diplomacy might benefit from mechanisms and systems that prevent clashing and encourage complementarity between scientists and diplomats in practice. Panelists will discuss how we may foster convergence of values between scientists and diplomats, and how historical analysis and present time science diplomacy practices validate, refine or even deconstruct 'business as usual' in both the diplomatic world and the scientific. Panelists may draw on the common language of UNESCO's Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, and examine institutions and practices in science, while considering how efficient, deliberate, and transparent science diplomacy will come into being.

This panel is proposed by the H2020 European project InsSciDE (Inventing a shared science diplomacy for Europe, www.insscide.eu). InsSciDE aims to create new knowledge on past and present science diplomacy in Europe and reveal and foster Europe’s capital of science diplomacy experience. InsSciDE's interdisciplinary group of researchers invites scientists and diplomats to explore what could be the science diplomacy of the European Union and to formulate recommendations for the harmonious division of competencies between the member states and their Union. Themes of historical and critical study include Heritage, Health, Security, Environment, and Space.