Science & Diplomacy

in Times of Disruption

A New Metaphor for Science & Diplomacy

Highly productive and thought-provoking: such was, thanks to a panel of outstanding experts and a lively discussion with high-level guests, the result of the exchange on the challenges for research institutions in view of a rapidly changing geopolitical context. The debate on ‘Science and Diplomacy’ in Times of Disruption: How Must International Research Institutions Adapt to Continue Successful Global Science Cooperation? at the Hanse-Office in Brussels, brought a new metaphor for science diplomacy in the current era of multiple crises and conflicts, a passionate plea for the openness of the global science system, and a clear call to action as to cooperation with highly motivated talents from the South – among many other aspects.

A big thanks to all those who have contributed. We’ll be in touch and continue the discussion!

The following are some of the main points that the attendees of the event in Brussels that evening highlighted:

Maria Renetzi

»Science Diplomacy acts as a kind of damper today.«

Tilo Böhmann

»We want science to act as a sparring partner and an enabler for informed decision-making in politics and society.«

Jan Marco Müller

»We need to engage with policymakers, with diplomats, with citizens. And this includes the ones outside our eco-chamber.«

Nela Riehl

»We must ensure that science remains open. This is really crucial.«

John Gyapong

»Issues relating to Africa become more of an afterthought rather than being at the centre of the co-creation of the solutions that we are looking out for. We end up in the small print.«

Christian Suhm

»Institutes for Advanced Study have a natural tendency to practice science diplomacy.«

Andreas Roepstorff

»Science in the future might even speak Creole.«

Frank Lehner

»If your institution doesn’t have the capacity set up for research security, you either over-regulate out of fear, or you accept under-protection out of naivety.«

Marcelo Knobel

»For Europe, it is a strategic move to cooperate equitably with Africa and with other regions, including Latin America. Because without talent, you can’t do much.«

Jan Palmowski

»Are we – as scientists – pushing ourselves enough to really bring about fundamental change?«

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All pictures: © Elio Germani 2026