Science diplomacy has gained increasing importance and prominence over the last years. Though not a new practice, there is a growing realisation that science diplomacy, actively pursued, is integral to reaching foreign policy goals and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and global health.
The Science Diplomacy course explores science diplomacy in-depth. We ask: How can it effectively contribute to global goals and the common good? What particular practices of science diplomacy are relevant? Who are the key actors? What is required of diplomats on the one hand and of scientists on the other? And more broadly, what is needed to ensure that science and diplomacy come together in working towards global goals and the common good? In answering these questions, the course explores science diplomacy in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the science-policy interface, practices of ‘boundary spanning’, and anticipation of future science policy interactions.
This course is aimed at diplomats and staff of international organisations, on the one hand, and scientists on the other. It makes an explicit effort to bring together both groups to engage in a dialogue that is crucial in working on global challenges. The course will also benefit academics and NGO representatives working on the intersection of science and policy.
The course was an inspiring experience that showed how science and tech diplomacy are building bridges across nations and disciplines. As someone deeply interested in responsible innovation, I found the course especially valuable. I highly recommend it to anyone eager to connect science, diplomacy, and innovation for a more resilient and inclusive world.
– Ms Sasa Jenko, Policy Coordinator, Policy and Strategy, DG SANTE, European Commission
In the course, I discovered how much science has become crucial in the decision-making processes for UN organisations. I learnt how much they were advancing the agenda of scientific diplomacy, and in particular how UN agencies are leading efforts in science policy and in each of the member states, for instance, in developing new evidence-living frameworks. I was also impressed by the expertise of the people involved in sharing their experiences with us during the course, as well as the expertise of the course participants.
– Mr Patrick Furrer, National Open Science Coordinator, Switzerland
I learned a lot from scientific diplomats from different countries about concepts, trends, technological advances, and science, which makes the course a lever to enhance my professional development.
– Mr Manuel Herrera-Rábago, Deputy Consul of Mexico, Oxnard, California, USA
The course was an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge of how scientists and diplomats work together to address the most pressing global issues and the increasingly important role of scientists in engaging beyond the field of science. This is particularly relevant in the post-COVID-19 era and for rapidly emerging global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance that require coordinated action, cooperation, and scientific-based policymaking.
– Ms Anna Machowska, Scientific Officer, Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Sweden
I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and each session left me with ‘Aha’ moments. The course content was well thought out and presented, including the reading material. The faculty and fellow classmates were truly inspiring. This course was a powerful reminder that alone, you can go fast, but together, you can go far. Whether at a national or global level, tangible progress and development will be achieved when we strategically apply diplomacy in science, and science in diplomacy to guide impactful knowledge and resource exchange, as well as informed policies.
– Ms Lutawo Ouma, MD, Former Medical Advisor for East, West and South Africa, BAYER, Kenya
This unique course provides a better understanding of science diplomacy while contributing to building capacity and stimulating engagement in the global community. I appreciated learning more about the international science-policy interface and interacting with the transdisciplinary community of scientists, policy-makers, diplomats, and others throughout the course.
– Dr Jovana V. Milić, Assistant Professor, AMI – University of Fribourg; Executive Board Member, SYA; Speaker, SYNESPOD; Co-Lead, Science Advice Working Group, GYA, Switzerland
The course covers the main developments and also the current and critical issues raised at the interface of science and diplomacy. It also enabled us to practically identify and analyse the roles and impact of science diplomacy and diplomats. I really enjoyed the freedom that the online format allows, the precise structure and rich content, the level of interaction with diverse participants from all over the world, and the overall quality of the discussions with expert lecturers each week. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who would like to understand the importance of science diplomacy as an emerging field combining international relations and science.
– Mr Mouloud Khelif, International Strategy Consultant, Switzerland
The course provides a great overview for professionals from various backgrounds spanning the private sector to diplomacy professionals and academics looking to expand their understanding of how the sciences can act as an important bridge between nations and cross-national interests.
– Ms Anna Seidel, Investment Professional, Dynamo Capital LLP, UK
When I started this course, I had some notions about the connection between diplomacy and health. Through the course, I discovered that beyond health, the connection between diplomacy and science can be a driver of progress in several areas related to the sustainable development goals. I particularly appreciate the science-policy interface, a crucial platform for science diplomacy which allows exchanges and joint construction of knowledge with the aim of enriching the decision-making process. I also found out that it is possible to use artificial intelligence to support diplomatic negotiation processes.
– Mr Désiré Neboua, Medical Coordinator, ALIMA NGO; President, GRADES (Groupe de Recherche et d’Action en Diplomatie Et Santé), Senegal
An incredible opportunity for diplomats and experts to connect, exchange expertise, and discuss key issues. The course combines a solid theoretical overview with insights from leading stakeholders in science and diplomacy, offering practical solutions to real-world challenges.
– Ms Jelena Magnin, Co-Director, Institute for Socioeconomic Development of the Western Balkans (ISED-wb), Switzerland
As science and its applications play an increasing role in international relations, participation in this course has refreshed and updated concepts and information useful for my career. I strongly recommend the course, where diplomats and professionals related to science or policy-making supported by science get an interesting overview of how science, technology and diplomatic negotiations interact and how current global challenges are related to this interaction.
– Mr Eduardo Ruiz Mazón, Counsellor, Consulate of Mexico in Frankfurt, Germany
Being a scientist myself, the course was a great start to officially get familiar with the topic, especially from a political point of view. Through several examples of science diplomacy, I learned how a scientist can become a science diplomat.
– Ms Encieh Erfani, PhD, Assistant Professor, IASBS, Iran
– Ms Larisa K. Schelkin,CEO, President & Founder, Global STEM Education Center, Inc, USA
– Mr Alejandro Rivera Becerra, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Mexico, Germany
What will you learn?
Executive Director, Geneva Science-Policy Interface
Executive Director, Diplo US
Postdoctoral Researcher and Senior Lecturer in Political Science and Sociology, Humboldt University; R&D Policy Manager, VFA
Science-Policy Officer, Geneva Science-Policy Interface
Malta's Ambassador for Digital Affairs
Head of Programmes, German Center for Research and Innovation, New York
Diplo and the GSPI are seeking applications from the following applicants, from both developed and developing countries:
The following applicants are also welcome:
According to one definition, science diplomacy is 'the use of scientific collaborations among nations to address the common problems facing 21st century humanity and to build constructive international partnerships.'
A science diplomacy typology, introduced by the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and updated in 2025, examines the new challenges facing science diplomacy today. These include growing economic competition, rapid technological advancements such as AI, and the increasing influence of non-state actors, including Big Tech. This online course takes this updated typology as a starting point to explore the relevance of science diplomacy in addressing the complex challenges of today’s world.
Partnerships and collaboration
This is a Diplo course, developed and delivered in collaboration with the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI). Please see ‘Lecturers’ for further details.Â
The course consists of 4 modules:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
The course will last for a total of 5 weeks, structured as follows:
The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a four-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:
Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as quizzes and exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.
To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.
Course materials and the necessary tools for online interaction and course tasks are provided in a virtual classroom.
Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.
To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.
The fee for this course is €500.Â
Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.
Fill out the short form to begin your application process for this course.Â
Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:
Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.
A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.
Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.
