The transition from a scientist to a science diplomat requires a firm understanding of the fundamental concepts of diplomacy. Over the past three years, I have undertaken several courses aimed at expanding my knowledge of diplomacy and developing my networking abilities.
To become a professional science diplomat, it is necessary to possess leadership skills in the field of science and to develop the ability to provide expert scientific advice to policymakers. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to acquire these critical skills. I shared my science leadership experience in the "Defining Science Leadership" article and these videos (1, 2).
The following topics are covered
The evolution of economic diplomacy
The concept and practice of economic diplomacy
The regulatory environment and the domestic context
The embassy's economic section
Trade and investment promotion
Craft skills: Business delegations and trade exhibitions
Economic sanctions
WTO and Free Trade Areas (FTAs)
Introduction to Science Diplomacy
Science Diplomacy of Arctic
Microelectronics and Diplomacy
International Relations and Science Diplomacy
The following topics are covered
History and values behind the internet and digital technology
How does the internet function?
Telecommunications infrastructure
Critical internet resources
Applications and content
Technical standards
Security and encryption
AI and other emerging technologies
This course gives insight into the contemporary practice of diplomacy and deepens understanding of significant issues in diplomacy management. The following topics are covered
Globalised diplomacy
Regional diplomacy
Foreign ministries: Change and reform
The decision process, crisis, and risk management
Diplomacy of small states
The re-invented embassy
Performance management
The public and image-building
The following topics are covered
Introduction to Humanitarian Diplomacy
Humanitarian diplomacy toolkit
Who are the humanitarian diplomacy actors?
Persuasion
Persuasion methodologies: Practical guidance
Negotiations in humanitarian diplomacy
Humanitarian Diplomacy Beyond Negotiations
Other practical skills in humanitarian diplomacy
In this course, you get the ability to
understand how scientific and technological developments work, with a specific focus on their governance and international spillovers.
think critically, and analyze different use cases for technology and science delivery in the economy and society.
understand the unique advantages of the European approach to technology and science.
understand that science diplomacy is a new concept with a long history, and thus to acquire some basic historical knowledge about science and technology’s major role in international affairs.
The following topics are covered
Explain the difference between the concepts of immunities, privileges, and facilities, providing examples of each
Describe the legal basis of diplomatic privileges and immunities, including as it relates to individuals, states and representatives, diplomatic missions, and consular missions.
Explain the theoretical justifications for privileges and immunities and how regulation has evolved.
Describe the privileges and immunities of states and their representatives (including heads of states and governments, other ministers and officials, diplomatic missions, and diplomatic agents).
Compare and contrast the privileges and immunities of diplomatic missions and agents with those of consular missions and agents.
Analyse cases of use and abuse of diplomatic privileges and immunities in the modern era.
Explain how the rule against interference in the internal affairs of a state relates to diplomatic functions.
Describe the various aspects of international investment law regarding direct foreign investment related to diplomatic and consular functions.
Explain diplomats' roles in helping investors from their sending state invest in the receiving state.
In this course, you’ll find out how we can use academic freedom to ask critical questions and contribute to a democratic society.
You’ll explore the importance of free and open research, and how it relates to core higher education and societal values.
You’ll understand why academic freedom is crucial for maintaining the quality and relevance of research in higher education.
You’ll learn about some of the current threats to academic freedom, and how this relates to the academic community worldwide.
The following topics are covered:
What public diplomacy is in practice, its key features, tasks, and methods
How to analyze different approaches to public diplomacy and identify realistic and workable tools and methods for different situations
How to plan strategies for country image-building activities based on best practices
How to assess and evaluate the impact of public diplomacy programs
This course is aimed at mid-career scientists and technology experts, as well as diplomats and international relations practitioners offer 30+ hours of sessions that cover the most pressing issues in 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.
This course is a pair of an Early-Career Scientist (40 years or below) and a Policymaker, therefore it is an exceptional experience (See my LinkedIn post about this course.
The following topics are covered:
Describe and explain with clarity the shape and functions of the contemporary world diplomatic system
Identify and describe the different stages of negotiations, the objectives for each stage, and techniques for securing agreement, providing examples from diplomatic practice
Compare and contrast the various missions, offices, conferences, techniques, and procedures of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy
Analyze what contributes to successful mediation
Justify the role of summits and their place in the negotiating arena
Defend the value of diplomacy with authority and enthusiasm
This workshop was about space diplomacy and the challenges in this field.
Explain the main ideas and concepts of science diplomacy
Have a broad overview of the various actors
Understand its relevance for the SDGs
Pinpoint the various ways in which science and policymaking interact
Understand and contextualize evidence-based decision-making
Have an overview of skills and practices that foster science diplomacy and science-policy interactions
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in this course in their field of work
I passed this training during my PhD and I was too young to understand the value of this workshop, but later I found it too helpful.