Exploring Innovations in Science Diplomacy with the Journal of Science Policy & Governance

To help facilitate high-level discussions on how to address these issues at the intersection of science and diplomacy, UCL STEaPP and JSPG organised two webinars with panels of experts to give their perspectives on science diplomacy.

The first of the webinars, Improving science diplomacy interfaces to address global challenges, was held in January and moderated by Dr Jean-Christophe Mauduit, Lecturer in Science Diplomacy in UCL STEaPP and JSPG Senior Advisor for International Engagement. The session focused on the structures, policies and governance for science diplomacy that are needed to address global science and technology challenges. The panel included Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Science Diplomacy Fellow (RIS) and former Ambassador of India; Marcella Ohira, Deputy Executive Director, Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research; Jan Marco Mueller, Science & Technology Advisor, European External Action Service; and Minh-Ha Pham, ​​Counsellor for Science and Technology, French Embassy in the United Kingdom.

The second webinar in the series focused on issues of inclusivity in science diplomacy, specifically non-state actors and underrepresented communities. With a particular emphasis on intergenerational gaps, the webinar examined the issues within science diplomacy that cause equity differences in practitioners and scholars. This is a specific challenge, as although science diplomacy is a relatively recent field of research, its narrative has developed in the Global North. Moderated by Kristiann Allen, Associate Director, Policy & International Engagement, Koi Tu Centre for Informed Futures, the panel also included Binyam Sisay Mendisu, Associate Professor of African Languages & Linguistics, The Africa Institute; Melody Brown Burkins, Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies, Senior Associate Director in the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding, and Adjunct Professor of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth; and Romain Murenzi, Exec Director of UNESCO-TWAS and former Minister of Science for Rwanda.

The webinar series was followed by a writing workshop for students, policy fellows, and early career researchers to equip them with the skills needed to write effective, innovative and actionable policy papers. The workshops, which were held on 5 and 6 March, gave prospective authors insight on the major issues related to science diplomacy and the opportunity for feedback on their proposals.

The call for papers for the special edition of JSPG on Innovations in Science Diplomacy: Structures, Policies & Governance for the New Decade is currently open. Students, postdocs, policy fellows, early career researchers and young professionals from around the world are invited to submit op-eds, policy memos, policy analyses and other articles addressing issues at the intersection of science and diplomacy.

Submissions will be reviewed through the JSPG editorial review process, a competition review committee will select the top three publications. Authors of the top articles will be invited to present at a dedicated science diplomacy event featuring science diplomacy representatives of different countries and international organizations in Autumn 2022.

The call for papers is open until 3 April 2022.