A recent panel on Science Diplomacy and the Internationalization of Higher Education at the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) Conference drew a full room, highlighting growing interest in the intersection of science, international collaboration, and global policy. The panel featured Dean Marta L. Wayne and Florent Bernard, who explored how science diplomacy can help navigate the delicate balance between open scientific collaboration and national security concerns. Bernard is the Science Counselor at the European Union Delegation in Washington DC, USA at European External Action Service.
Science diplomacy sits at the crossroads of international relations and STEM, playing a crucial role in tackling global challenges like climate change and pandemics. The panelists emphasized that while international scientific cooperation is essential for progress, certain research security measures may unintentionally hinder collaboration. Science diplomacy provides a framework for addressing these tensions, fostering cooperation while safeguarding national, industrial, and commercial interests.
The successful panel reinforced the value of science diplomacy in higher education, positioning it as a key factor in advancing global scientific collaboration while navigating complex geopolitical realities.