In this section you can find the presentations discussed during the final conference. Read more
In this section you can find the presentations discussed during the final conference. Read more
What does science diplomacy mean? How researchers can contribute to the development of science diplomacy processes and what communications can do to improve their results?
We asked the point of view of Prof. Luk Van Langenhove, professor expert on the subject who has recently published the report “Tools for Science Diplomacy” in collaboration with DG Research, Science and Innovation of the European Commission.
Prof. Dr. Luk Van Langenhove is research professor at the Institute for European Studies at the VUB University of Brussels and Scientific coordinator of H2020-funded project El-Csid.
Would you like to share your opinion on Science Diplomacy too? Please write us at meridwp@gmail.com
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The point of view of a young Iranian student on Science Diplomacy #MeridSciDip
Many different reasons bring people moving between countries and living abroad for various periods of times: professional improvement, curiosity, necessity. The experiences they live add values to their cultural baggage and often provide valid contribution to the development of their home countries.
Reihaneh Eshraghi is an Iranian student who studies in Italy and who is currently doing a traineeship in Brussels in Public Affairs. On the basis of these experiences, Reihaneh gives her point of view on the benefits and the struggles of cultural exchange opportunities.
Would you like to share your opinion on Science Diplomacy too? Please write us at meridwp@gmail.com
Rami M. Ayoubi is Senior International Development Consultant. PhD Supervisor School of Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Last year, he participated at the regional event organized by MERID in Beirut. As a researcher with direct experience in the field of scientific exchanges between countries and international programmes of funding for research, we asked him to share with us his ideas, hopes and critiques about the state of science diplomacy.
– According to the current situation, which are, in your opinion, the most significant difficulties that science diplomacy faces? Could these difficulties be considered actual limits for science diplomacy?
I think that science diplomacy is an innovative concept and activity by itself. If implemented comprehensively, science diplomacy could result in better life for people. However, there are constraints and difficulties which could limit its implementation. In summary, the main challenges are around three major constraints: macro support from governments, implementation support from funding bodies, and micro support from the scientists themselves.
I listed some of these below:
– Do you think that science diplomacy could have a proactive role for the topics of instability and migration?
When it comes to issues like instability and migration, I prefer to adopt the scientists’ dialogue. In my opinion, I think that the scientific approach of most scientists and their objective approach of putting solutions to global issues will help for better life internationally. Therefore, science diplomacy could have a proactive role for the current critical topics of instability and migration. However, this is very much linked to the current difficulties that scientists are facing with the biased behavior of some of their governments. The scientific approach of creating solutions to instability and migration with a flavor of leadership skills and diplomacy skills will enhance the possibility to create some immediate solutions that could ease these issues.
– Can you describe whether and how the MERID project has an impact on your activities?
I think the aims of the MERID project are both holistic and doable. Myself, when I first participated in the activities of this project, I was not very clear of its outcomes. However, by time and after joining some of its activities and practicing science diplomacy practices through the workshops, I felt personally that this project will have an impact on my current activities and work. Working previously with Erasmus+ in Syria, with the Ministry of higher education and currently as adviser for international development at Cardiff Met university in UK, the MERID project enhanced my thoughts towards science diplomacy with the current Syrian Government (despite the European sanctions), and supported my current activities at Cardiff Met of working with colleagues towards establishing global academies for global crisis solutions.
Since 2015, MERID project has been working to contribute to the development of science diplomacy, with a particular focus on the Middle East region, through the organization of webinars, regional events, dissemination of information, etc.., mainly addressing the issues of brain circulation and science diasporas.
MERID project includes 13 partners from 13 European and Middle East countries, coordinated by Euro-Mediterranean University EMUNI.
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Interview conducted by:
Dr. Chafic Mokbel is Secretary General of UoB Research Council at the University of Balamand, Lebanon. As a professor with knowledge of MERID project and direct experience in the field of international research programmes, we asked him to share with us his ideas, hopes and critiques about the state of science diplomacy.
– According to the current situation, which are, in your opinion, the most significant challenges that science diplomacy faces?
Science diplomacy is set to cope with divides, and the difficulties it faces are inherently related to the divides or the differences that can exist at all levels. In my opinion, some of the most important challenges, resulting from major differences and facing science diplomacy, are presented hereafter:
– Do you think that science diplomacy could have a proactive role for the topics of instability and migration?
Science diplomacy has a confirmed role in reducing the divides. For the same reason, it plays a positive role in stability and limiting migration. However, it is a topic that has to be managed with care, in order to maximize this positive impact without creating disappointments. If science diplomacy fails, there is an important risk of losing hope in local development, which would endanger the stability or at least increase the migration. Science diplomacy shall not be about the access to knowledge in a more globalised world than ever. It is a more critical topic, that is about the culture of change and the way to stay connected to the advancements in today’s world. The outcomes of science diplomacy in reducing instability and migration seem to depend on the chance of success that a minimal set of transparent processes and structures obtains in connecting highly qualified scientists to the local socio-economic development.
– Can you describe whether and how the MERID project has an impact on your activities?
I attended several MERID meetings that allowed me to better understand the H2020 processes. Moreover, I have understood in those meetings several other technical aspects in different domains. This helped me in promoting ideas, within my University and colleagues, which have kept my research activities relevant to the state of the art.
Since 2015, MERID project has been working to contribute to the development of science diplomacy, with a particular focus on the Middle East region, through the organization of webinars, regional events, dissemination of information, etc.., mainly addressing the issues of brain circulation and science diasporas.
MERID project includes 13 partners from 13 European and Middle East countries, coordinated by Euro-Mediterranean University EMUNI.
Follow MERID activities on Facebook and Twitter!