Science diplomacy is. . .

Science diplomacy makes it possible to respond to the global challenges of the 21st century. It fosters scientific freedom and helps position Germany even better internationally as a country of science and research. The rapid development of vaccines is a good example in recent years of what internationally networked researchers can achieve for humankind. The outstanding work done by German intermediary organisations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) plays a crucial part in this. As the world’s largest funding organisation for international academic exchange, the DAAD is synonymous with flagship projects such as the Global Centres for Climate and Health and the Hilde Domin Programme for at-risk students across the globe. In many crises, the DAAD has proven to be a reliable partner and central actor in our science diplomacy activities, for which I would like to take this opportunity to express my warmest thanks.

Katja Keul, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office

Science diplomacy is an important term that gives us reason to hope for international science-based collaboration and science-based political decisions, for solutions to conflicts and for the advancement of society. A really big wheel, in other words, that is ­turned by taking small steps and that exactly reflects the role and self-image of the DAAD. The DAAD is science diplomacy. And it enables others to become science diplomats.

Dr Muriel Kim Helbig, President of Technische Hochschule Lübeck and Vice President of the DAAD

International policy advice and science diplomacy are taken very seriously at the Leopoldina. In its capacity as the German National Academy of Sciences, it pursues a wide range of activities in these areas. The most prominent examples are the recommendations it drew up for the G7 and G20 summits together with the academies of the respective countries, and indeed the Western Balkans Process or ‘Berlin Process’. Germany’s Federal Government initiated the latter in 2014 with the objective of bringing the Balkan countries closer to the EU and overcoming tensions through regional cooperation. Within the framework of this process, the Leopoldina coordinates the Joint Science Conference.

Professor Gerald Haug, President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

We must not be naive. We must acknowledge that science and technology have once again become pieces on the geopolitical chessboard.

Dr Jan Marco Müller, Coordinator for Science Diplomacy and Multilateral Relations at the European Commission

Learn here in our interview how Dr Jan Marco Müller is coordinating the European Union’s efforts to bring about a joint approach to science diplomacy.