9-23 July, 2021

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

Aimed at mid-career scientists and technology experts, as well as diplomats and international relations practitioners, the Summer School offers an immersive 40+ hours course that 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.

APPLY BEFORE JUNE 24th

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

This executive training is aimed at 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 3-5 years of related work experience in research, international relations 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 July 9th to 23rd in an online format. A custom-made platform with readings, quizzes and networking opportunities will be combined with live zoom sessions, mentoring sessions and role-plays.

In non-pandemic years, the Barcelona Science and Technology Diplomacy Summer School takes place in Barcelona. With world-class research institutions, Barcelona hosts facilities such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, the ALBA Synchrotron or the National Genome Analysis Center, the headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean, the UN-HABITAT City Resilience Profiling Programme (UN-HABITAT/CRPP) and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). In 2018, Barcelona became the first city in the world with a Science and Technology Diplomacy strategy, paving the way for city-led science diplomacy. Therefore, Barcelona is among the top innovative hubs worldwide, the 3rd non-state capital in terms of consular representation, one of the leading cities in global municipalism and the first city worldwide with a science and technology diplomacy strategy, making it the perfect place for science and technology diplomacy training.

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 submit a 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.

More information

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