Science and Diplomacy Workshop

Science and Diplomacy Workshop

AAAS-TWAS Course on Science and Diplomacy

8-13 June 2014

Trieste, Italy

THE WORKSHOP

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington DC, USA, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Trieste, Italy are seeking candidates to participate in a course on science diplomacy to be held in Trieste, Italy, from 8-13 June 2014.

Two trends are becoming clear in the early part of this century; the majority of challenges facing society have an international or global context; and science, technology and their applications underpin the cause or the cure to these challenges. As a result science and technology are becoming ever more embedded into the foreign policies and international relations of nations. At the same time, cooperation in science and technology is increasingly benefiting from both the technical and political interactions between states. For example, establishing such large scale projects as ICTP, ITER, CERN and SESAME*, require both scientific exchange and diplomatic interactions. In addition to facilitating cooperative multilateral projects, science cooperation can play an important role in establishing trust and building bridges between nations. Throughout the Cold War, for example, science, health and space cooperation provided one of the few ways for constructive interaction between the East and the West.As a result, many new scientific institutions formed, providing important focal points for dialogue and understanding.

Given the growing role of science and technology in international relations, AAAS and TWAS formed a partnership in 2011 designed to focus on science diplomacy and engagement between the North and the South. Part of this initiative includes a short-course on science diplomacy.

The course will expose participants to some key contemporary international policy issues relating to science, technology, environment and health, while providing an overview of how technical information has contributed to different policy developments and international structures. Another focus of the course will be a better understanding of and appreciation for the roles governments, international organizations, and the private sector in complex science-based issues, and how different governance structures are developed to address the needs and involvement of these different stakeholders.

The course will also encourage active interaction between and among participants as they work on a project that builds on the case studies developed through the week. The project will be a short summary memo on a topic or theme related to science, health or technology and their applications that has relevance to the international policy community.

PARTICIPANTS

This short course is designed for scientists interested in connecting their research to international policy making, policymakers interested in some of the central science based themes that might influence their work, research institution administrators, and research funders focused on identifying ways to build international networks.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

  • Travel, accommodation and visaexpenses will be provided to the selected participants.
  • Spaces are reserved for a number of young scientists (up to the age of 40), as well as scientists and/or government officials, etc, with more experience in the policymaking arena (‘science policy ambassadors’).
  • A limited number of spaces for self-funded candidates will also be available.
  • Deadline for sending applications is 7 March 2014.
  • Women are especially encouraged to apply.
  • The completed application should be sent by e-mail, fax or post to:

Ms. Sara Dalafi

TWAS Science Policy/Science Diplomacy Programme

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) – for the advancement of science in developing countries

ICTP Campus – Strada Costiera, 11 – 34151 Trieste – Italy

Phone: +39-040-2240687

Fax: +39-040-2240689

Email:

  • An expert committee will be established by TWAS and AAAS to review the applications received.
  • Successful candidates will be informed before the end of March.
  • For more information on the science and diplomacy programme, please see Diplomacy

    AAAS-TWAS Summer Course• 8-13 June 2014 • Trieste, Italy

    APPLICATION FORM

    Please indicate the type of institution to which you belong:(Tick all that apply)
    Academy of science
    Government agency
    Diplomatic corps / Research funding agency
    International organization
    Research institute / University
    Other (please specify):
    GENERAL INFORMATION
    Please include with your application your CV, a photo of yourself (if you submit this application by e-mail, attach the photo as a separate JPEG file, i.e. not embedded in another document) and a scan of your passport, even if expired (only the page with personal details is required). In completing this form, please provide your surname and name exactly as indicated in your passport.
    Surname / First name
    Male Female / Date of birth (day-month-year) / Nationality / Passport No:
    Date and place issued:
    Expiry date:
    Applicant’s home institute contact address:
    Tel:
    Fax:
    e-mail: / Name and contact details of a person to be contacted in case of an emergency:
    Tel:
    Fax:
    e-mail:
    ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
    Degree awarded / Grade / Year / Field/Discipline / University
    CURRENT EMPLOYER / HOME INSTITUTION / ORGANIZATION
    The applicant must be employed. Please provide a supporting statement from the head/director of your current employer on official headed paper.
    Name of current institution
    Postal address Tel: Fax: e-mail:
    Field of activity of your institute or organization
    Describe your present employment duties, particularly in relation to your organization or department, specifying any positions you hold in management or administration, and give a brief account of your work.
    PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    Name of employer / Position / From - To / Field of activity / Tasks and responsibilities
    RECORD OF ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA OF SCIENCE DIPLOMACY
    Area(s) of current research/employment:
    Science diplomacy-related projects/policies undertaken (if any):
    Awards/scholarships
    MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
    Please specify your function and activity in the(se) organization(s).
    CONVENTIONS, CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, SCIENTIFIC VISITS, TRAINING COURSES RELATED TO SCIENCE DIPLOMACY TOPICS
    Title and location / Year
    PUBLICATIONS
    Titles of max. 5 of your most recent papers (relevant to the subject of science diplomacy!) with their precise reference.
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    EXPLAIN YOUR REASONS FOR WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AAAS-TWAS SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY COURSE
    How does your professional role and/or experience relate to the aims of the Science and Diplomacy Course?
    Provide examples of any of your research/policies/projects that had an impact on scientific cooperation betweencountries.
    Provide evidence of engagement in 'wider society', e.g. involvement in science policy, science communications, public/school events, engagement with industry/NGOs.
    Provide examples of cooperation with representatives of the scientific community (e.g. workshops, reports, development projects) (if you are a policymaker) or with the policymaking community (if you are a scientist)
    REFERENCES
    Please provide the names and addresses of two or three referees in support of your application, and attach letters of recommendation from each of your referees to your application form.
    Name / Position / Contact details
    Address
    Tel: Fax: e-mail:
    Address
    Tel: Fax: e-mail:
    Address
    Tel: Fax: e-mail:
    APPLICANT’S ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE WORKSHOP
    Please print this page, sign the original and send as scanned attachment. Do note that unsigned applications cannot be accepted. If you are unable to send a scanned version via e-mail, please send the page with the signature by fax.
    I accept the terms and conditions governing this activity and I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the information above is true and correct.
    Signature: ...... Date:
    NB: The application form cannot be accepted without a signature.
    If selected(please checkonly one of the following):
    I will require support for travel and accommodation while in Trieste.
    I am able to cover my own costs to attend this meeting.
    Important: Please ensure that ALL relevant enclosures are included with the completed application form.
    Please only submit the material requested; do not send any other material.
    Passport size photograph as a separate JPEG file (do not embed in Word, Powerpoint or other file).
    A copy of your passport, even if expired. Only the page with personal details is required.
    Curriculum vitae.
    Reference letters must be on headed paper, signed and sent as attachments via e-mail to TWAS. Alternatively, letters should be sent in sealed envelopes by post. NB: Only signed reference letters can be accepted. The letters can be submitted either directly by the referee or by the applicant.
    Supporting statement (on official headed paper) by the head/director of the applicant’s current employment.

    The completed application must reach the following address by7 March 2014 by e-mail, fax or post:

    Ms. Sara Dalafi

    TWAS Science Policy/Science Diplomacy Programme

    The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) – for the advancement of science in developing countries

    ICTP Campus – Strada Costiera, 11 – 34151 Trieste – Italy

    Phone: +39-040-2240687

    Fax: +39-040-2240689

    Email: