2024 AAAS-TWAS 9th Annual Summer Course on Science Diplomacy

Course Short Program in Applied Science , in Art and Humanities , in Business and Law , in Engineering , in Natural Science , in Social Science
  • Italy, Online
  • Apply Before : February 5, 2024

Opportunity Details

  • Opportunity ID 144201
  • Degree Non Degree Program/Certificate
  • Language Requirement Not Required
  • Fields of study Science Diplomacy
  • Opportunity Type : Fully Funded
  • Duration 4 days
  • Gender MaleFemale
  • Language of Instruction English
  • Application Fee Required No
Advertisements

Opportunity Description

About the course

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington, DC, USA, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Trieste, Italy, are jointly organizing the AAAS-TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy and are therefore looking for applicants, mainly from developing countries, to attend the uniquely designed training program. The course was established to expose policymakers, scientists, and diplomats to science diplomacy concepts ever since it has trained over 200 emerging leaders from more than 50 countries.

This course is open to everyone, but preference is given to pairs coming from the global South. Women, refugees, and displaced scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to build a network with other science diplomacy enthusiasts worldwide!

Quick Details

Application deadline: February 5, 2024

Hosts: TWAS and AAAS

Location of the event (organization): Italy

Delivery mode: In-Person

Location: Trieste, Italy

Course dates: 17-21 June 2024

Notification of result: By late May 2024

Program organization: 

  • The workshop will take place as follows:
    • 17 June (Monday): Welcome dinner
    • 18-20 June (Tuesday – Thursday): workshop
    • 21 June (Friday half day): end of activities & wrapping up

Benefits of the course

  • Organizers will cover the expenses of the the selected pairs, including transportation, lodging, visa expenses, meals,, and incidentals.
  • Additionally, if selected, there will be opportunities for a small number of self-supported participant pairs (including those from high-income countries) to attend the course. No travel support will be provided to self-supported participant pairs. They will pay for their travel to Trieste, Italy, and cover their accommodation and meals.

Participation mechanism

Applications are being sought from ” participant pairs ” for an upcoming course to enhance collaboration between scientists and governmental officials, policymakers, and diplomats. Ideally, both individuals in a participant pair should reside and work in the same country but not be affiliated with the same institution. Priority will be given to participant pairs from developing countries, particularly those classified as Science and Technology lagging countries (STLCs – refer to https://twas.org/66-countries).

Applicants forming a “participant pair” should share mutual interests in science, technology, and innovation. However, they don’t need to have previously collaborated or worked together.

The “participant pair” consists of:

  1. Participant 1: An Early-Career Scientist (preferably 40 years or younger) whose research and broader engagement have international policymaking implications or applications.
  2. Participant 2: A Policymaker from the policymaking arena specializing in science, technology, and innovation-related matters. This individual should belong to one of the following categories:
  •    – A local or national government official.
  •    – A policymaker.
  •    – A diplomat.
  •    – Staff at an academy of sciences in a supervisory role.
  •    – Civil servant.
  •    – A representative of a research funding institution.
  •    – Staff or expert affiliated with an international organization (e.g., UN).

Since 2021, 124 scientists and policymakers from 45 countries have participated in the course as participant pairs.

The goal of pairing is to foster lasting connections between science and policy. Therefore, early-career scientists are encouraged to consult with the head of their home institute for recommendations on a suitable co-applicant from the policymaking arena.

Although the two participants in the participant pair submit individual applications, they must identify and confirm their partner in the application, providing reasons for the suitability of the partnership. Thus, participant pairs are expected to agree on their collaborative applications beforehand.

Note: Applications lacking a participant partner will not be considered. It is strongly advised to find a co-applicant before initiating the application process.

Both members of the selected pairs are expected to commit to attending the entire course. Failure of one member to commit to the full workshop will result in automatic disqualification for the other pair member.

Graduates of the course will become part of a global network of young leaders and innovators, collaborating across borders to address societal challenges and effect change in their respective countries and sectors.

Eligibility criteria

  • The course is open to participants with relevant backgrounds worldwide, but priority will be given to candidates from developing countries.
  • Applicants from 66 Science and Technology-Lagging Countries (STLCs) and 47 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are encouraged to apply.
  • Women, as well as refugees or displaced scientists, are especially welcome to apply.
  • Candidates should not have previously participated in any AAAS-TWAS course on science diplomacy, including regional workshops.

Similar opportunities you may like:

Evaluation

The two host institutions will form an expert committee to assess the applications.

How to apply?

Application is online, with the participants submitting twin applications for the training. The two applicants should submit applications individually and confirm their partner’s participation on the application form.

 

 

Participant 1 should apply HERE.

Participant 2 has to apply here.

 

 

Note: the links are different; choose the correct one.

Moreover, as part of the application, applicants must submit some supporting documents to sciencediplomacy@twas.org. The documents are listed on the form.

For any questions, please get in touch with sciencediplomacy@twas.org. Or, visit the World Academy of Science (TWAS) website for more information regarding the course.

Advertisements

Other opportunities you may like