1-5 July, 2019

SciTech DiploHub, the Barcelona Science and Technology Diplomacy Hub and IBEI, a leading academic and research institution on global affairs from Barcelona, have partnered to offer a first-of-its-kind training on Science and Technology Diplomacy in a will to prepare the next cohort of leaders of a field that is increasingly essential to tackle humanity’s global challenges.

Aimed at mid-career scientists, technology experts and diplomats, as well as graduate students from related disciplines (i.e. science and technology or political science or international relations graduates), the Summer School covers the most pressing issues on Science and Technology Diplomacy ranging from sustainable development to technology diplomacy, with a special focus on Europe, the Mediterranean and the role of global cities.

What is Science and Technology Diplomacy?

Most challenges faced by countries are global and multidisciplinary in scope, ranging from climate change to global health, water and energy security, mass migrations, transnational crime and the impact of artificial intelligence in democracy and human rights. Effective multi-stakeholder partnerships between the science and technology community and public and foreign policy practitioners, as well as the private sector and civil society, is needed to effectively face such issues through evidence-based solutions: Science Diplomacy is a key tool for tackling the 21^st century global agenda and is increasingly playing a key role in today’s geopolitics. Read more about Science and Technology Diplomacy here.

Who will attend

By attending the Summer School, you will join leading professionals aspiring to make an impact on today’s transnational challenges through furthering cross-border understanding and science and technology cooperation. Participants should have a graduate degree in a relevant field (i.e. any branch of science, technology, engineering, international affairs, public policy and political science) and ideally at least 2-3 years of related work experience in research, international organizations or project management. Participants must demonstrate an interest in global issues, as well as a will to transcend professional silos and engage in interdisciplinary work. Demonstrated leadership capabilities as well as social commitment will be appreciated.

When and Where

This comprehensive and first-of-its-kind training course in Science & Technology Diplomacy will take place from 1 to 5 July in one of world’s innovation hotspots: Barcelona. Hosted by IBEI, at Pompeu Fabra University Ciutadella Campus (UPF), the Summer School is located at the heart of Barcelona, only a 10 minute walk from the sea and the innovation district 22@. Lectures will be complemented by on-the-field classes and visits to international organizations, regional institutions and leading research and technology centers.

Curriculum

All lectures will be taught in English. Courses cover, essentially, 3 main learning objectives:

1. Academics. Science and Technology Diplomacy is global in scope. Lectures are organized following 5 different modules: Introduction to Science and Technology Diplomacy; Science and Technology Diplomacy in the Mediterranean; Science and Technology Diplomacy in Europe; Technology Diplomacy; and Science Diplomacy, Global Cities and Sustainable Development. Lectures will cover relevant emerging issues such as Global Health, Cyberspace Diplomacy and Climate Change, as well as incorporating Mediterranean and European perspectives and projects.
2. Professional development. Drawing from the understanding that current global challenges need a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural approach, participants will be able to gain hands-on knowledge with practical sessions on science communication and intercultural skills, international negotiations role-play simulation, a group project and networking activities to effectively boost its professional career in science diplomacy.
3. On-the-field classes.By visiting leading institutions and projects on Science and Technology Diplomacy, participants will complement academic activities with real world cases that will allow them to understand the specificities and complexities large scale international Science Diplomacy projects require.

Evaluation and ECTS

A minimum attendance of 90% to all sessions is mandatory in order to obtain the certificate. In case participants require or are willing to obtain academic credits (3 ECTS) for the Summer School, they must request so during their application and submita short final essay after completing the School. Students do not have to make any extra payment for this certificate, but need to verify in advance with their home institution that these credits will be recognized.

Accommodation

A wide range of short-term accommodation is available near Pompeu Fabra University Ciutadella Campus for Barcelona Science & Technology Diplomacy Summer School participants. Participants can take advantage of discounted offers by booking accommodation with one of our housing partners. These partners will be able to provide various affordable accommodation options tailored to suit different needs, including: flats, hostels and hotels, shared apartments, and student halls.

Registration

Interested candidates should apply before 15th June (for scholarships,15^th May 2019). After this deadline, your place may not be guaranteed.

Applications will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee on a rolling basis, and candidates will be informed of their decision in less than two weeks. A document will be attached to our response with payment information (using IBEI online credit card system or a transfer to IBEI bank account).  Registration to the summer school will be fully confirmed after receiving payment. Before applying, please read through the summer school cancellation policy and other regulations.

More information

For more information please contact Carlos Sánchez (csanchez@ibei.org), IBEI research coordinator.