July 15-20, 2024 | 3rd Edition

Call for applications: closed

Science Diplomacy is a tool that recognizes science as a process for pursuing evidence and diplomacy as a process for dialogue and cooperation between different stakeholders. In our increasingly interconnected world, there is a growing need for science diplomacy as we are confronted by issues concerning agriculture or trade, automation or cryptocurrencies, peace & security, global health pandemics, and climate change, among many other complex challenges. Our decision-making power is strengthened or weakened by the relevance, timeliness, reliability, and communication of information in a fast-paced changing environment. While academia includes specialties in translational science, public policy, health policy and other policy-related fields, these programs do not address the needs of the vast matrix of other scientific disciplines to provide students with training and tools to effectively partner and communicate with non-scientists, whether they are policy-makers, community leaders or the general public. This is Science Diplomacy at its core-partnerships to eliminate cultural, sectoral, and knowledge barriers. 

Faculty
William Pan, Duke University, USA
Giulia Costa, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
Kurt Straif, Boston College, USA / ISGlobal, Spain
Sonia Silvestri, University of Bologna, Italy
Christian Lara, Duke University Rethinking Diplomacy Fellow – United Nations
Peter McGrath, Coordinator of the Science Diplomacy Unit, The World Academy of Sciences and Secretariat, InterAcademy Partnership
Camilo De Los Rios Rueda, Duke University & IAI Science Technology & Environment Fellow

Who is it for? 
Graduate students (Master’s and PhD) from various disciplines: Global / Public Health, Environmental Science, Economics & Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology & Demography, Biology, Engineering, Clinical Medicine. Advanced Undergraduate students will be also considered.

Topics 

1- Introduction to the concepts of science diplomacy;

2- Raise awareness among young scientists of the role of science diplomacy in building consensus and finding common interests among stakeholders (nations, regions, communities, industries, NGOs, universities, etc.) to address local and global challenges related to, for example, balancing economic development, environmental conservation, and human well-being;

3- Gain skills in stakeholder assessment, science communication and negotiation;

4- Review of case studies associated with local (or global) response and negotiations to complex problems such as air pollution (e.g., Padova), Sea Level Rise (e.g., Venice), gold mining and mercury pollution (e.g., Amazon), and emerging diseases (e.g., COVID-19).

Students will leave this workshop with the fundamental understanding of how to identify and communicate with stakeholders connected to their research.

Fees
Students of VIU member universities:
€ 600 incl. VAT.
Students of other universities:
€ 1200 incl. VAT.

The fees will cover tuition, course materials, lunches in the San Servolo restaurant and social events.

Student participants will be responsible for covering their own travel expenses to and from Venice and local transportation.

VIU Alumni are eligible for a reduced fee.

PhD candidates and post-docs from EU universities may be eligible for Erasmus+ mobility grant support. Candidates should consult the International Office in their own university for information about the calls for applications for funding. VIU will provide any supporting documentation requested for such applications. Contact VIU Erasmus office:  erasmus@univiu.org

Accommodation on Campus
Complete information about the costs of accommodation on campus is available in the Brochure and Application form.

Applicants must submit the application form, a letter of motivation – which should include a brief description of the candidate’s research interests, a curriculum vitae and a photo.

The Program will admit up to 25 student participants.

Credits 
Number of ECTS equivalence: 3
Students will receive a certificate of attendance.

For further information please consult the brochure and program or write to summerschools@univiu.org