In times of growing geopolitical tensions, the role of science, academia and research as forms of transnational engagement has gained renewed relevance. Global systemic and resource competition, the development of disruptive technologies, security requirements, and unequal access to science shape the conditions under which international science collaboration operates. While political diplomacy is increasingly becoming confrontational or coming to a halt, science and academia play an ever more important role in global cooperation. In this context, science diplomacy is gaining importance at national, European, and global levels. The view is growing that internationally oriented research institutions, universities and science networks are becoming diplomatic actors in their own right. For the institutions, this brings both opportunities and risks: While they run the danger of being instrumentalized to serve geopolitical interests at the expense of scientific quality, they can leverage their role to forge new future-oriented alliances and to help safeguard academic freedom, collaboration and capacity amid mounting international rivalry and fragmentation.
The aim of this panel event is to discuss these topics with various stakeholders in science diplomacy, including representatives from academic institutions, research institutes, and scientific networks, as well as policymakers – from Hamburg, Europe and the African Continent. What strategic and coordinated action do they consider necessary to prepare their institutions for the future?
Welcome Remarks
- Hauke Heekeren, President of the University of Hamburg
- Claus Müller, Managing Director of the Hanse-Office, Brussels
- Christian Suhm, Secretary-General of the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study
Keynote
Jan Marco Müller, Team Leader Global Approach, Multilateral Dialogue and Science Diplomacy, European Commission, DG Research and Innovation
Panelists
- John Owusu Gyapong, Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA)
- Beate Heinemann, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Hamburg
- Maria Rentetzi, Professor in Science, Technology and Gender Studies, University Erlangen/Nürnberg; Chair of the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance
- Nela Riehl, Member of the European Parliament (Volt), Chair of the Culture and Education Committee (CULT) at the European Parliament
Moderation
Andreas Roepstorff, Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS)
Venue
Hanse-Office – Joint representation of the city of Hamburg and the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein in Brussels
Avenue Palmerston 20
B-1000 Brussels
The event will take place in English and is by invitation only.
Event in the framework of Hamburg Forum for Global Science and Policy, University of Hamburg. In cooperation with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies.
