EU Needs Diaspora Researchers and Science Attachés Involved in Diplomacy

Introduction

As the world navigates a shifting geopolitical landscape, the role of science diplomacy has never been more critical. Recent developments underscore the need for the European Union to bolster its science diplomacy efforts by engaging European scientists living abroad and enhancing the integration of scientific expertise in diplomatic endeavors.

The Importance of Science Diplomacy

In an age where disinformation and skepticism about science are rampant, science diplomacy serves as a bridge between research, industry, and policy. To effectively leverage science in foreign policy, the European Commission aims to harness networks of European scientists worldwide and train diplomats in scientific disciplines.

Expert Insights and Recommendations

According to a group of 130 experts, creating an integrated framework for EU science diplomacy is essential. Their preliminary findings, previewed at the World Science Forum in Budapest, highlight the disintegration of the relationship between science and policy against the backdrop of dwindling trust in scientific expertise.

Lessons from Recent Events

Recent geopolitical incidents have illustrated the pitfalls of inadequate science diplomacy. The EU’s prior collaboration on research with countries like Russia and China—despite diplomatic tensions—signals the need for a more coordinated approach. The expert report calls for:

• Strategic Instruments: Creating frameworks to handle relationships with countries that do not align with EU values.
• Operational Instruments: Establishing structures to fulfill the EU’s ambition of becoming a leader in science diplomacy.
• Enabling Instruments: Developing channels for greater engagement between scientists and diplomats.

Support for Diaspora Scientists

One of the key recommendations is greater support for European scientists abroad. Jan Marco Müller, leader of the science diplomacy project, emphasizes that many diaspora scientists are eager to engage in diplomacy. However, their efforts are often underfunded and unsupported.

Proposed actions include launching discussions to understand how these scientists can advise embassies and represent EU interests, thereby contributing to international scientific collaboration and foreign policy decision-making.

Training and Community Building

The expert report suggests that the EU should rethink its relationship with science attachés in embassies worldwide to foster robust science diplomacy communities. Proposed initiatives include hosting science diplomacy conferences and integrating science and technology elements into diplomatic training programs.

Bridging the Gap Between Scientists and Diplomats

There’s a clear need for more collaboration between scientists and diplomats, who often face difficulties due to differing work cultures. Science diplomats can play a pivotal role by translating scientific complexities for diplomats and simplifying diplomatic considerations for scientists.

Addressing Current Challenges

The final declaration of the World Science Forum stresses the evolving role of science diplomacy in uniting science and policy to overcome global challenges. With distrust in science on the rise, the need for a coordinated European framework is more crucial than ever.

The European Commission has contemplated a makeover of its science diplomacy strategy for some time, but recent conflicts like the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine have accelerated these efforts. This urgency was palpable at the inaugural European Science Diplomacy conference held in Madrid.

Future Steps and Expectations

Upon its release, the expert report could serve as a cornerstone for science diplomacy policies across member states. It is anticipated to inform a potential Council recommendation and provide a basis for national policy documents on science diplomacy. Meanwhile, there is enthusiasm among various ministries and government bodies, eager for the report’s publication.

Dovilė Gailiūtė-Janušonė, a science and innovation adviser, expressed hope that the report will also act as a textbook for training diplomats, reflecting a growing appetite for its insights.

Conclusion

As we anticipate the expert report’s launch, it’s clear that its findings could significantly strengthen Europe’s science diplomacy capabilities. Through strategic, operational, and enabling instruments, the EU aims to navigate complex geopolitical terrains and elevate its influence on global science policy.

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Source: https://sciencebusiness.net/news/eu-needs-diaspora-researchers-and-science-attaches-involved-diplomacy